In recent years, end-of-life issues have been making headlines. Five European countries have legalized euthanasia and in the United States, assisted suicide is legal in 9 states and Washington, D.C. And, as of June this year, voluntary assisted dying is legal in every Australian state.
In light of this, the Vatican published a document explaining its teachings on end-of-life issues. Entitled, “Small lexicon for end-of-life”, it breaks down important words and phrases dealing with topics like euthanasia, the vegetative state and assisted suicide.
Written by members of the Pontifical Academy for Life, its goal is to reiterate the Church's traditional stance on these topics and avoid misinterpretations.
For example, the document clarifies the three circumstances where it is morally acceptable to withdraw artificial nutrition and hydration. These are when:
1) They are no longer clinically effective, meaning when the tissues are no longer able to absorb the administered substances.
2) They are unavailable in the healthcare setting.
3) They cause the patient “excessive burden or significant physical discomfort” due to the instruments used.
The new Vatican document ends with a form where a person can outline how they wish to approach health care treatments in the face of illness, disability and death.
GABRIELLA GAMBINO
Under-secretary, Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life
In sickness, patients desperately need help making sense of their tremendous suffering, going beyond mere human reasoning and emotions, with a perspective that encompasses the entire spiritual and transcendent dimension of the person.
“Small lexicon for end-of-life” builds on the document the Vatican released four years ago that re-emphasizes the importance of “upholding…the relationship and dialogue between patient and healthcare providers.”
KG
