Karol Darmoros
Clear Principles
The guide “Now and at the Hour of Our Death” aims – as we read – to specifically clarify the moral principles of Catholic teaching regarding end-of-life decisions. It also indicates care planning options available in New York State. The authors emphasize: “Advances in medicine bring with them new and complex questions regarding treatment and moral decision-making” – states the introduction to the publication.
Rejection of Euthanasia
The document specifies: “Assisted suicide is the voluntary termination of one’s own life using chemicals or drugs prescribed by a doctor that can cause death. It is considered active euthanasia.” The bishops remind us that the Church unequivocally warns us that this practice is “objectively immoral and should be avoided, despite the false appearance of compassion under which it is presented.”
Obligation to Treat
The guidelines indicate that “we should always accept ordinary medical means to preserve life.” This refers to those that “offer a reasonable hope of benefit and do not impose excessive burdens on us, our family, or the community.” Such means also include nutrition and hydration for patients.
Limits of Therapy
At the same time, the document notes: “Catholics are not morally obligated to prolong the dying process by all available medical means.” It also emphasizes: “Allowing natural death to occur is not the same as killing.”
Exceptional Situations
The authors allow for exceptions when “death is imminent” or when the means used cause serious burdens. However, they clearly state: “It is never permissible to remove a feeding tube or other life-sustaining treatment based on the belief that the patient’s life no longer has value or with the intention of ending their life.”
The full text of the guide “Now and at the Hour of Our Death” is available on the website of the New York State Catholic Conference.
Source: Il Timone, nyscatholic.org
