Culture of life
A culture of life describes a way of life based on the belief that human life begins at conception, and is sacred at all stages from conception through natural death.[1] It opposes abortion, euthanasia, capital punishment (also known as the death penalty),[note 1] studies and medicines involving embryonic stem cells, and contraception, because they are seen as destroying life.[5][6][7] It also promotes policies that "lift up the human spirit with compassion and love."[8] The term originated in moral theology, especially that of the Catholic Church, and was popularly championed by Pope John Paul II;[9][10] it has been widely used by religious leaders in evangelical Christianity as well.[11][12] The philosophy of such a culture is a consistent life ethic.[13]
In the United States, secular politicians such as George W. Bush and Kanye West have also used the phrase.[14][15][8] In 2004, the Republican Party included a plank in their platform for "Promoting a Culture of Life".[16]