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Advance Directives for Health Care
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A Catholic Perpective
The Catechism of the Catholic Church provides clear guidance on End of Life Issues:
Approved by the Catholic Bishops of New Jersey: October 20, 20112276 Those whose lives are diminished or weakened deserve special respect. Sick or handicapped persons should be helped to lead lives as normal as possible. 2277 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 persson and to the respect due to the living God, his Creator. The error of judgement into which one can fall in good faith does not change the nature of this murderous act, which must always be forbidden and excluded.2278 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.2279 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. Advance Directive for Health Care
Individuals have a legal right to appoint a Health Care Representative (Proxy) and to execute an Advance Directive for Health Care.
Before completing an advance directive, you should discuss your wishes about medical treatment with family, physician(s), and your Health Care Representative (Proxy). An attorney is not required to complete an advance directive, but you may wish to consult one concerning your directive.
After completing an advance directive, you should review it periodically to make certain that your wishes remain the same as when you completed the advance directive. You can change or cancel your advance directive at any time. If you do change or cancel your advance directive, do so in writing, and provide copies of the new or revised directive to your family, physician(s), and Health Care Representative (Proxy).
Forms for an Advance Directive for Health Care may be picked up at the parish office.