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During Baltimore assembly, bishops to consider revised directives on withdrawal of food, water
Catholic News Service ^
| 10/30/09
| Nancy Frazier O’Brien
Posted on 10/31/2009 4:31:41 PM PDT by wagglebee
WASHINGTON A proposed revision to the directives that guide Catholic heath care facilities would clarify that patients with chronic conditions who are not imminently dying should receive food and water by medically assisted means if they cannot take them normally.
As a general rule, there is an obligation to provide patients with food and water, including medically assisted nutrition and hydration for those who cannot take food orally, says the revised text of the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services proposed by the U.S. bishops Committee on Doctrine.
This obligation extends to patients in chronic conditions (e.g., the persistent vegetative state) who can reasonably be expected to live indefinitely if given such care, the new text adds.
Deleted from the directives would be a reference to the necessary distinctions between questions already resolved by the magisterium and those requiring further reflection, as, for example, the morality of withdrawing medically assisted hydration and nutrition from a person who is in the condition that is recognized by physicians as the persistent vegetative state.
The proposed revision to the directives will come before members of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops for debate and vote at their fall general assembly Nov. 16-19 in Baltimore. A majority vote by those present and voting is required for passage.
In an introduction to the revised text, Bishop William E. Lori of Bridgeport, Conn., chairman of the doctrine committee, said the directives, last revised in 2001, were written long before Pope John Paul IIs March 2004 address to an international conference on Life-Sustaining Treatments and the Vegetative State and the Vatican Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faiths August 2007 reply to questions raised by the USCCB on artificial nutrition and hydration.
The current directives based their teaching on documents by some state Catholic conferences, individual bishops and the USCCB Committee on Pro-Life Activities, the bishop noted.
Bishop Lori said the changes were needed particularly since the recent clarifications by the Holy See have rendered untenable certain positions that have been defended by some Catholic ethicists.
Much of the ethical discussion of the nutrition and hydration question in recent years has focused on the case of Terri Schindler Schiavo, a brain-damaged Florida woman whose husband successfully fought for the right to discontinue her feeding tube. Schiavo died March 31, 2005, 13 days after doctors withdrew nutrition and hydration.
Some Catholic ethicists had argued that, because doctors consider a persistent vegetative state irreversible, artificial nutrition and hydration can be withdrawn from those patients.
While medically assisted nutrition and hydration are not morally obligatory in certain cases, these forms of basic care should in principle be provided to all patients who need them, including patients diagnosed as being in a persistent vegetative state, because even the most severely debilitated and helpless patient retains the full dignity of a human person, the proposed revised directives read.
Medically assisted nutrition and hydration become morally optional when they cannot reasonably be expected to prolong life or when they would be excessively burdensome for the patient or (would) cause significant physical discomfort, they add. For instance, as a patient draws close to inevitable death from an underlying progressive and fatal condition, certain measures to provide nutrition and hydration may become excessively burdensome and therefore not obligatory in light of their very limited ability to prolong life or provide comfort.
The proposed wording also would delete a reference to hydration and nutrition not being morally obligatory when they cannot be assimilated by a persons body, replacing it with the significant physical discomfort language.
The revision was drawn up in collaboration with the USCCB Committee on Pro-Life Activities and in consultation with the Task Force on Health Care Issues, Catholic Health Association, Catholic Medical Association, National Catholic Bioethics Center and National Catholic Partnership on Disability, Bishop Lori said.
TOPICS: Culture/Society; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: catholic; euthanasia; moralabsolutes; prolife; terri; terridailies; terrischiavo; whiterose
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While medically assisted nutrition and hydration are not morally obligatory in certain cases, these forms of basic care should in principle be provided to all patients who need them, including patients diagnosed as being in a persistent vegetative state, because even the most severely debilitated and helpless patient retains the full dignity of a human person, the proposed revised directives read. Amen!
1
posted on
10/31/2009 4:31:41 PM PDT
by
wagglebee
To: cgk; Coleus; cpforlife.org; narses; Salvation; 8mmMauser
2
posted on
10/31/2009 4:32:40 PM PDT
by
wagglebee
("A political party cannot be all things to all people." -- Ronald Reagan, 3/1/75)
To: NYer; Pyro7480
3
posted on
10/31/2009 4:33:40 PM PDT
by
wagglebee
("A political party cannot be all things to all people." -- Ronald Reagan, 3/1/75)
To: 185JHP; 230FMJ; 69ConvertibleFirebird; Albion Wilde; Aleighanne; Alexander Rubin; ...
4
posted on
10/31/2009 4:34:09 PM PDT
by
wagglebee
("A political party cannot be all things to all people." -- Ronald Reagan, 3/1/75)
To: wagglebee
recent clarifications by the Holy See have rendered untenable certain positions that have been defended by some Catholic ethicists.I'll bet they have. "Bioethicists" and other death dealers scurrying for cover.
To: wagglebee
They ought to withdraw food (The Eucharist) from the pro-abortion politicians who claim to be Catholic. And they ought to have them tossed from the churches.
6
posted on
10/31/2009 4:36:27 PM PDT
by
MIchaelTArchangel
(DEFUND THE FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE NOW!)
To: Ohioan from Florida; Goodgirlinred; Miss Behave; cyn; AlwaysFree; amdgmary; angelwings49; ...
New Terri Dailies Theme...
Catholic bishops are preparing to make it clear that people in Terri's condition should have food and water no matter what.
7
posted on
10/31/2009 4:37:41 PM PDT
by
wagglebee
("A political party cannot be all things to all people." -- Ronald Reagan, 3/1/75)
To: MIchaelTArchangel
8
posted on
10/31/2009 4:39:02 PM PDT
by
wagglebee
("A political party cannot be all things to all people." -- Ronald Reagan, 3/1/75)
To: Ohioan from Florida; Goodgirlinred; Miss Behave; cyn; AlwaysFree; amdgmary; angelwings49; ...
It's about time the abortionists were forced to face their carnage.
Thread by me.
On October 17, the National Abortion Federation held a "Remembering Dr. Tiller" event at the Westin Hotel in Denver, with 200 abortionists from around the world attending. I simply can't imagine being in a room full of abortionists. Their hands, yuck. What did they talk about? Although the thought of all this truly creeps me out, this is the sort of event where I'd like to be a fly on the wall.
Jeanne Tiller accepted the award on behalf of her husband George, who was murdered May 31.
American Right to Life got wind of the event beforehand and were able to strategically place cars across the street from the Westin, honoring one of their maxims, "no child killing with tranquility."
ARTL also strategically placed pro-lifers with banners at the hotel's drop-off point. International abortionists were likely unfamiliar with American-style pro-life protests showing the truth of abortion with graphic photos. . .
9
posted on
10/31/2009 4:40:37 PM PDT
by
wagglebee
("A political party cannot be all things to all people." -- Ronald Reagan, 3/1/75)
To: bogusname
This is pure evil in its most disgusting form.
Thread by bogusname.
Children of God for Life announced today that Neocutis, a bio-pharmaceutical company focused on dermatology and skin care is using aborted fetal cell lines to produce several of their anti-aging skin creams.
"It is absolutely deplorable that Neocutis would resort to exploiting the remains of a deliberately slaughtered baby for nothing other than pure vanity and financial gain," stated Executive Director Debi Vinnedge. "There is simply no moral justification for this." ...
10
posted on
10/31/2009 4:43:41 PM PDT
by
wagglebee
("A political party cannot be all things to all people." -- Ronald Reagan, 3/1/75)
To: Faith; Salvation; Ohioan from Florida; Goodgirlinred; Miss Behave; cyn; AlwaysFree; amdgmary; ...
40 Days for Life has saved OVER TWO THOUSAND BABIES in the past five weeks!
Thanks to Faith for all of the threads.
40 Days for Life consists of 40 days of prayer and fasting for an end to abortion,
40 days of constant, peaceful vigil outside abortion centers and Planned Parenthood offices
and 40 days of active pro-life community outreach.
"They sacrificed their sons and their daughters to the demons; they poured out innocent blood, the blood of their sons and daughters... and the land was polluted with blood. Then the anger of the lord was kindled against his people, and He abhorred his heritage; he gave them into the hands of the nations, so that those who hated them ruled over them. Their enemies oppressed them, and they were brought into subjection under their power. (See Psalm 106:37-43)
Your community may be participating in this prayerful vigil.
If so, please join others in your area
or unite with thousands across America
during these 40 days in Autumn
as we pray for an end to abortion in this nation.
11
posted on
10/31/2009 4:48:08 PM PDT
by
wagglebee
("A political party cannot be all things to all people." -- Ronald Reagan, 3/1/75)
To: wagglebee
International abortionists were likely unfamiliar with American-style pro-life protests showing the truth of abortion with graphic photos. . . Time to export some good old fashioned american democracy...
12
posted on
10/31/2009 4:51:15 PM PDT
by
x_plus_one
(In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act. George Orwell)
To: wagglebee
To: wagglebee
Seeing that picture and “American Hero” made my stomach do a flip-flop. I guess if they hold conventions for mass murderers, I shouldn’t be surprised at seeing Tiller referred to as a “hero.”
14
posted on
11/01/2009 6:26:05 AM PST
by
penowa
To: wagglebee
Notice the following case is being argued based on quality of life. And it seems to be just accepted that quality of life is a valid measure of whether or not the patient is allowed to continue receiving care that’s necessary for his survival. The only disagreement is whether or not his quality of life is high enough. This is London, but the sickness has a toehold here as well.
http://www.babychums.com/2009/11/father-fights-hospitals-bid-to-remove-his-babys-life-support
Father fights hospitals bid to remove his babys life support
November 1, 2009 by Shawn Douglas
A father is fighting to keep his one-year-old son, suffering from a neuromuscular condition, on life support.
On Monday, the father of Baby RB will go to Londons High Court tomorrow to argue that his son deserves to remain on life support. The hospital providing the services has asked for a court order to remove the child from the breathing apparatus that keeps him alive.
Baby RB suffers from a rare neuromuscular condition called congenital myasthenic syndrome. The condition causes the signals between nerve endings and muscles to be much weaker than normal, creating abnormally weak muscles in the afflicted.
If the hospital wins its argument in the High Court, it will mark the first time that a British court has terminated life supportagainst a parents wishesof a child that doesnt suffer from brain damage.
Lawyers representing the father have stated that the baby doesnt suffer brain deficiencies due to the condition, has fully functional senses, and can recognize his parents.
The father feels very strongly that Baby RB has a quality of life that demands the trust should continue to provide life-sustaining treatment, said Christopher Cuddihee, speaking on behalf of the father.
The father clearly adores his son and hopes to demonstrate to the court that the trusts application should be rejected.
However, the fathers fight is being resisted by the mother of Baby RB. The babys mother, who is amicably separated from the father, supports the actions of the hospital.
The father plans to put forth evidence during the hearing that his son would benefit from a simple tracheostomy, a procedure that would allow his son to be discharged from the hospital and cared for in the home. In addition, he hopes that video montages, photographs, and recorded interactions with the baby will lend strength to his case.
As sad as these cases may seem, there is often little recourse other than the legal system to resolve such conflicts.
When the parents and the clinical team dont agree on the treatment for the child in question, the only way forward is to go to the courts and for the courts to decide on what is in the best interests of the child, which is paramount, a spokeswoman for the British Medical Association told the Guardian.
15
posted on
11/01/2009 10:27:42 AM PST
by
BykrBayb
(Somewhere, my flower is there. ~ Þ)
To: wagglebee
Did somebody grease the slope?
If the hospital wins its argument in the High Court, it will mark the first time that a British court has terminated life supportagainst a parents wishesof a child that doesnt suffer from brain damage. Lawyers representing the father have stated that the baby doesnt suffer brain deficiencies due to the condition, has fully functional senses, and can recognize his parents.
The father feels very strongly that Baby RB has a quality of life that demands the trust should continue to provide life-sustaining treatment, said Christopher Cuddihee, speaking on behalf of the father.
16
posted on
11/01/2009 10:34:41 AM PST
by
BykrBayb
(Somewhere, my flower is there. ~ Þ)
To: BykrBayb; markomalley
17
posted on
11/01/2009 11:21:49 AM PST
by
wagglebee
("A political party cannot be all things to all people." -- Ronald Reagan, 3/1/75)
To: Faith; Salvation; Ohioan from Florida; Goodgirlinred; Miss Behave; cyn; AlwaysFree; amdgmary; ...
________________________________________________________
PENSACOLA, November 6, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Last Friday, the 38th day of the autumn 40 Days for Life Campaign, the abortion facility at 6700 North 9th Avenue in Pensacola, Florida posted a 'Closed' sign on its door as pro-lifers prayed and kept vigil outside.
Ernie Cyr, the Pensacola 40 Days for Life coordinator, said the local 40 Days for Life team didn't even realize at the time what they were witnessing - the permanent closure of an abortion facility that had been in operation for more than 25 years.
Cyr explained that law enforcement officers went into the clinic on Friday to serve some legal papers, but no one really knew what was going on.
The following Monday, a simple legal notice appeared in the fine-print section of the local newspaper: "As of October 30th, 2009, The Community Health Center of Pensacola will be terminating its practice." . . .
David Bereit, National Director of 40 Days for Life, commented on this latest abortion facility closure in his daily e-mail to 40 Days supporters.
"This now makes FIVE abortion centers CLOSED - facilities where people came to pray outside for an end to abortion during 40 Days for Life. Praise God indeed, for answering your prayers and the prayers of thousands of others!"
"This fall's campaign has been the most incredibly blessed 40 Days for Life effort yet," Bereit said. "There have been 571 lives spared from abortion that we know of this fall," he said. "There have been eight abortion industry employers who have left their jobs.
It's been a most eventful 40 days."
18
posted on
11/08/2009 10:38:23 AM PST
by
wagglebee
("A political party cannot be all things to all people." -- Ronald Reagan, 3/1/75)
To: texanyankee; Ohioan from Florida; Goodgirlinred; Miss Behave; cyn; AlwaysFree; amdgmary; ...
This is some of the most wonderful news in a long time.
Thread by texanyankee.
Planned Parenthood Director Leaves, Has Change of Heart
Planned Parenthood has been a part of Abby Johnson's life for the past eight years; that is until last month, when Abby resigned.
Planned Parenthood has been a part of Abby Johnson's life for the past eight years; that is until last month, when Abby resigned. Johnson said she realized she wanted to leave, after watching an ultrasound of an abortion procedure.
"I just thought I can't do this anymore, and it was just like a flash that hit me and I thought that's it," said Jonhson.
She handed in her resignation October 6. Johnson worked as the Bryan Planned Parenthood Director for two years.
According to Johnson, the non-profit was struggling under the weight of a tough economy, and changing it's business model from one that pushed prevention, to one that focused on abortion.
"It seemed like maybe that's not what a lot of people were believing any more because that's not where the money was. The money wasn't in family planning, the money wasn't in prevention, the money was in abortion and so I had a problem with that," said Johnson.
Johnson said she was told to bring in more women who wanted abortions, something the Episcopalian church goer recently became convicted about. . .
19
posted on
11/08/2009 10:42:38 AM PST
by
wagglebee
("A political party cannot be all things to all people." -- Ronald Reagan, 3/1/75)
To: Ohioan from Florida; Goodgirlinred; Miss Behave; cyn; AlwaysFree; amdgmary; angelwings49; ...
This disgusting murderer was once a Baptist minister.
Thread by me.
Dallas, TX (LifeNews.com) -- The late-term abortion practitioner at the new abortion center in Dallas has admitted in a shocking interview that he kills unborn children during abortions. Curtis Boyd is one of the few abortion practitioners to admit what he is doing, but he has no qualms with his job.
Boyd opened the first abortion center in Dallas in 1973 after the Supreme Court handed down the roe v. Wade decision allowing virtually unlimited abortions.
In an interview with WFAA yesterday after news surfaced that he re-opened his late-term abortion center, Southwestern Women's Surgery Center, in the huge metro area last week after more than a year following the closure of the Aaron's abortion facility, he makes a startling admission.
"Am I killing?" Boyd said. "Yes, I am. I know that."
He told WFAA that he is a former Baptist ordained minister who is now a part of the pro-abortion Unitarian Universalist church who says he prays often about the abortions he does.
"I'll ask that the spirit of this pregnancy be returned to God with love and understanding," he said.
Boyd must operate an ambulatory surgical center in order to qualify under state law to do abortions after 16 weeks of pregnancy and he says women from across the south central United States come to him for late-term abortions.
"We see patients from Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana and across Texas," he said.
"The hardest ones are the young girls," he added, saying that girls as young as 9 and 10 years of age have been to his center for abortions.
Boyd says he was a close friend of George Tiller, the late-term abortion practitioner who was shot and killed at his church earlier this year -- allegedly by militia activist Scott Roeder, who is not affiliated with any pro-life groups.
He says he takes precautions such as keeping his address and phone number private but isn't afraid of doing abortions.
"I don't want the fate that befell Dr. Tiller, but I'm not going to be deterred because what I'm doing is important," he said.
20
posted on
11/08/2009 10:45:42 AM PST
by
wagglebee
("A political party cannot be all things to all people." -- Ronald Reagan, 3/1/75)
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