Human dignity has two components, objective and subjective. Objectively, human dignity is the truth that every person upon conception is created in the image and likeness of God. Along with a body, the human beings also possess a spiritual nature which is free and intellectual giving him the power to discern good and evil.
In a subjective sense, human dignity is the ability of a person to hear God’s law and observe it. It is closely connected with a person’s conscience. St. Paul writes, “They show that what the law requires is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness and their conflicting thoughts accuse or perhaps excuse them. . .” (Rom 2:15).
Furthermore, the root reason for human dignity lies in as person’s call to be in communion with God.