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Ask a Priest
Guidance and discussion on issues concerning personal and spiritual growth
As a senior citizen, I am concerned about the wording I should use in my advance directive. I would like to be sure that it complies with the teachings of the Catholic Church. The healthcare treatment advance directive I’m referring to is a document used to determine my healthcare if I am unable to communicate my decisions and there is no realistic hope that I will regain such capacity. Any help would be appreciated. -Louis G. Dear Louis G., The moral principles you’re searching for to help guide your directive can be found in The Catechism of the Catholic Church (2277-79). These principles reject euthanasia and assisted suicide while pointing out the legitimacy of “discontinuing medical procedures that are burdensome, dangerous, extraordinary, or disproportionate to the expected outcome.” I suggest that you consult with your doctor concerning procedures which might fit this criteria and that you review your final directive with your pastor for validation of its conformity with Catholic teaching. Philip St. Romain has a Doctor of Ministry degree in spiritual direction from the Graduate Theological Foundation. Questions? Write "Questions People Ask", Liguorian, One Liguori Drive, Liguori, MO 63057 or E-mail liguorianeditor@liguori.org. |