Torture --Why is this a subject of debate?

I should not have to use a quote such as the one pasted below in order to determine whether it is alright to torture and abuse others in order to extract information. This fact should already be present in my own conscience as well as the reader's here.
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quote:At a news conference about the peace message, Cardinal Renato Martino, head of the Vatican's pontifical council on peace and justice, was asked if torture could be a legitimate tool to gain information that might prevent terror attacks.

The prelate replied that there was no justification for using torture, which is the "humiliation of the human person, whoever he is."

"The church does not allow torture as a means to extract the truth," Martino said. Terror suspects "sometimes say what the torturers want to hear. ... There are other ways to obtain the truth."


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If there is still a question in your mind, then ponder this:

Imagine for a moment that your mother, wife, or child was being held captive by an opposing force of soldiers. And--that this loved one held critical intelligence information needed by their enemy. How would you like them to be treated? Remember--they are being held captive and are not a threat to their captors.

Now picture yourself as a member of the apposing force and your own mother was seated across from you. You are the chosen interigator. How would you treat her?

I realize these are extreme questions and that your own loved ones will probably never be threatened as a captive nor will you ever be assigned to interigate your own dear mother.

But now answer my question.