There has been a lot of talk over the past several years about the end of the world. Regardless of that timing, it is a fact that each of us will some day experience our own end time. We are also most likely to experience the death of someone we love – which can be more painful to us than our own passing. How we handle these situations is important, especially in view of what seems to be a redefining of the word “mercy.”
According to the Catechism, "Those whose lives are diminished or weakened deserve special respect. Sick or handicapped persons should be helped to lead lives as normal as possible. Whatever its motives and means, direct euthanasia consists in putting an end to the lives of handicapped, sick, or dying persons. It is morally unacceptable. ‘Thus an act or omission which, of itself or by intention, causes death in order to eliminate suffering constitutes a murder gravely contrary to the dignity of the human person and to the respect due to the living God, his Creator. The error of judgment into which one can fall in good faith does not change the nature of this murderous act, which must always be forbidden and excluded.’ Discontinuing medical procedures that are burdensome, dangerous, extraordinary, or disproportionate to the expected outcome can be legitimate; it is the refusal of “over-zealous” treatment. Here one does not will to cause death; one’s inability to impede it is merely accepted. The decisions should be made by the patient if he is competent and able or, if not, by those legally entitled to act for the patient, whose reasonable will and legitimate interests must always be respected. Even if death is thought imminent, the ordinary care owed to a sick person cannot be legitimately interrupted. The use of painkillers to alleviate the sufferings of the dying, even at the risk of shortening their days, can be morally in conformity with human dignity if death is not willed as either an end or a means, but only foreseen and tolerated as inevitable. Palliative care is a special form of disinterested charity. As such it should be encouraged.” [CCC2276-2279]
To be sure that you and yours are treated with dignity and respect as the end of life draws near, be careful what you sign with regard to advanced directives. According to National Right to Life, “…if you are someone who doesn't want medical technology to prolong your last hours, but who also doesn't want to be starved or allowed to die just because you have a disability, your wishes will be far more likely to be respected if you sign a properly prepared Will to Live than if you sign a living will.” You can download a copy of the Missouri Will to Live from the NRLC. If you already have a Durable Power of Attorney for healthcare, you might wish to double check it to make sure that it is in line with Catholic teaching. If you don’t have a will and advanced directives in place, you might consider contacting a Catholic attorney who can draw up appropriate papers for you and/or a loved one. You can learn more about euthanasia at the NRLC site as well as at the American Life League site.
Also from American Life League --Does a diagnosis of "brain death" really mean that the patient is actually dead? Nope! Read Dr. Paul Byrne's article from Celebrate Life magazine.
Terri Schindler Schiavo Foundation
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"(TSSF) is a non-profit group dedicated to
helping persons with disabilities, and the incapacitated who are in or
potentially facing life-threatening situations. "
Copyright © 2006 Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Pro-life Ministry
All rights reserved.
Revised:
March 19, 2007