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The mystery of the Redemption of the world is in an amazing way rooted in suffering, and this suffering in turn finds in the mystery of the Redemption its supreme and surest point of reference.
John Paul II, Savifici Doloris (On the Christian Meaning of Human Suffering)
In the aftermath of the tragic Terri Schiavo case, there has been a great deal of attention paid to end of life issues, including “living wills” and "extraordinary treatment". It is very important that we clearly understand the basic issues involved in this area, as well as the relevant teachings of the Church.
Moral Principles
Decisions regarding the medical care of gravely ill person have great moral significance. They require us to face the reality of suffering and death, in the light of faith, confident in the redemptive power of our suffering united to the Cross of Christ, with the sure hope of the resurrection.
No matter how grave a patient's ailment or incapacity, they always remain a person, made in the image and likeness of God, and precious in his sight. It is always wrong to deliberately cause the death of an innocent person, either by our direct actions or by failing to perform a duty.
The fundamental distinction that should be borne in mind is whether medical treatment is "ordinary", which is morally obligatory, or "extraordinary", which is morally optional and can be declined.
What are “extraordinary” treatments? According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, they are “medical procedures that are excessively burdensome, dangerous, or disproportionate to the expected outcome”. If you decline such treatments, you are not causing death. Instead, you are refusing "over-zealous" treatment and acknowledging the inevitability of death. (Catechism, no. 2278)
Even if death is imminent, we must always provide the ordinary care owed to a sick person -- nutrition, hydration, cleanliness, warmth, etc. Death from an underlying cause, such as cancer, must at some point be accepted, but a person should never die from starvation or dehydration.
On this subject, Pope John Paul II has said, “I should like particularly to underline how the administration of water and food, even when provided by artificial means, always represents a natural means of preserving life, not a medical act. Its use, furthermore, should be considered, in principle, ordinary and proportionate, and as such morally obligatory…”
Ordinary care would also include providing a sick person with painkillers, even at the risk of shortening their life. In this case, death is not willed as either an end or a means. (Catechism 2279)
“Living Wills”
Much is heard about “living wills” -- a specific instruction on a particular course of medical treatment, usually with regard to life-sustaining treatment. They are also known as “advance directives”.
There are many problems with “living wills”. They are inflexible, and tie the hands of your doctors and loved ones. Because it's impossible to foresee your exact medical situation, they are inherently vague and can be confusing to doctors. Most “living will” forms that are generally available are actually “refuse treatment” forms that create a presumption in favor of death.
(Text above courtesy of the Archdiocese of New York, Family Life Respect Life Office)
Resources:
US Conference of Catholic Bishops on Assisted Suicide
The National Catholic Bioethics Center's "A Catholic Guide to End-of-Life Decisions"
Declaration on Euthanasia by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith
John Paul II's Address on Life-sustaining Treatments and Vegetative State
"Assisted Nutrition and Hydration in Persistent Vegetative State" by Eugene F. Diamond, M.D.
“Blessings of Age: A Pastoral Message on Growing Older Within the Faith Community”
from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops: Addresses the elderly, the faith community, caregivers and pastoral staff by affirming and challenging the elderly, recognizing them as active contributors to the Church’s life and mission, and developing parish structures that facilitate their contribution.
“Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services”
from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops: Articulates directives for Catholic health care providers regarding care for the dying.
“The Sacredness of Human Life in a Desacralized World” by Donald DeMarco: Understanding the sacredness of human life is essential in addressing the issue of euthanasia. |
