Summary
of Irish Bishops Document on End-of-Life Care
Palliative Care avoids two extremes
Advances in medicine and in technology mean that the taking of
decisions about appropriate care for people who have advanced
and progressive illness have become more complex. The document
says that, in caring for people who are dying, there are two extremes
to be avoided:
(a) trying to keep people alive at all costs, even when it is
clear that death is imminent
(b) deciding to end the life of a person on the basis that his
or her life is no longer worth living. (pp.5-6)
Palliative care avoids both of these extremes "in that it
upholds absolute respect for human life, and acknowledges human
mortality and the dominion we have over life" It is about
"maximising the quality of life remaining, while enabling
patients to 'live until they die.' (p.7)
Euthanasia is not acceptable
Euthanasia is any action or omission, which is deliberately calculated
to end the life of another human being, with or without that person's
consent, on so-called health grounds. (pp.7-8). Euthanasia is
morally unacceptable, not only because it "would mean the
introduction of a qualitative judgement on what is determined
to be a worthwhile life or existence," but also because it
"would have an enormous effect on the ethos of healthcare
provision." (p.12)
"The Catholic Church absolutely rejects Euthanasia as a response
to chronic or serious illness. This rejection is rooted in an
understanding of the human person as someone who is called into
life by God, and the ultimate meaning of whose life is to be found
in relationship with God."
The Rights and Responsibilities of Healthcare
Professionals
The document points out that healthcare professionals, although
they act on behalf of the patient, are not just functionaries
who are required to do whatever they are asked to do. They have
a right and a duty to choose what is good, and to reject any course
of action which conflicts with an informed judgement of conscience,
even if this is requested by the patient or by the family."
(p.13)
Appropriate Pain Relief is not Euthanasia
The document uses the traditional Principle of Double Effect to
explain that necessary pain relief, even if it sometimes results
in an unintended and unavoidable reduction in the length of life
is not euthanasia. The degree to which life is shortened must
not be out of proportionate to the benefits which come to the
patient through pain relief. (p. 9)
Euthanasia is not Necessary
The document points out that requests for euthanasia frequently
coincide with a bad period of symptom control, even a clinically
treatable depression.(p 10) The solution, in part, is to improve
pain control. In the vast majority of cases unbearable pain can
be avoided.
Some distress is not directly related to physical pain, but has
its roots in issues such as "fear, anxiety, loss of control
and loss of independence." Good counselling, which is an
integral part of palliative care "allows the patient, the
family, and others who are closely involved to discuss these fears."
(p.15) Sedation may sometimes be required to deal with high levels
of anxiety, but it should not be a first resort. While it can
certainly help to reduce the experience of emotional stress, it
also reduces the capacity of the patient to respond freely and
deliberately to what is happening in his / her life." (p.15)
(Sedation is not the same as physical pain-relief; sedation deals
with emotional distress).
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The Provision of Resources
The document makes a very strong case for the provision of adequate
resources for palliative care, not only in hospices, but in general
hospitals and in the community. "The inadequacy of such resources
impinges directly on the quality of care that can be provided
to those who are dying, and may be a contributory factor in the
level of demand for euthanasia. (p.16)
Spiritual and Sacramental Ministry
The document points out that "a comprehensive approach to
healthcare must take account of the spiritual needs of the patient."
(p 20) All the key moments of life, including sickness and death,
have the capacity to bring our relationship with God into sharper
focus. Poor communication is an obstacle to spiritual care, because
patients are often discouraged from even mentioning the possibility
of death. By contrast, the ethos of sensitive but honest communication
that is part of palliative care greatly facilitates the spiritual
and sacramental care of those who are dying. ....; the patient's
questions are welcomed and answered appropriately. Talk of death
and dying is not taboo. This means that if people pray with the
patient, they can pray more honestly too." (p. 21)
Think About It
Don't let your parents down,
they brought you up.
Be humble enough to obey,
You may give orders some day.
Chose your companions with care,
You become what they are.
Guard your thoughts, what you think
Is what you are.
Be master of your habits
or they will master you.
Pay attention when you drive,
Drive safely and arrive.
Resist pressure, stand up,
Or you'll fall for anything.
Keep God in your life,
He is always there for you.
Prayer
for Vocations
God
our Father, send workers into your harvest. May the Spirit we
received in Baptism touch the hearts of many to offer themselves
in priesthood, religious life, and other forms of service. Give
the parents and families of our parish, the wisdom and courage
to support young people, in searching for and following the call
of God in their lives
The One-Sentence
Sermon:
Give God what is right, not what is left.
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Don't wait for six strong men to take you to church
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