[NRSKarenRN]

From: USA Today, April 2, 2004

Pope John Paul II has announced emphatically that it is "morally obligatory" to continue artificial feeding and hydration for people in a persistent vegetative state, even if they remain so for years. His comments could require revision in directives on end-of-life care at 10 percent of U.S. hospitals.


http://www.usatoday.com/usatonline/2...2/6075622s.htm

[fergus51]

I hope he never has to suffer that kind of torture. To me it's just another example of how out of touch the church has become from the real world.

[ktwlpn]

Originally Posted by fergus51

I hope he never has to suffer that kind of torture. To me it's just another example of how out of touch the church has become from the real world.

I guess his own condition compelled him to make this statement...I don't agree with priests practicing medicine.I have an end stage renal patient (alert and oriented)who just stopped eating a few months ago...The family pushed and got a peg inserted-their priest "told them they had to" Now they are consulting a priest regarding a possible amputation...I could just SCREAM-it frustrates me so.....

[rnmaven]

[quote=NRSKarenRN]From: USA Today, April 2, 2004

Pope John Paul II has announced emphatically that it is "morally obligatory" to continue artificial feeding and hydration for people in a persistent vegetative state, even if they remain so for years. His comments could require revision in directives on end-of-life care at 10 percent of U.S. hospitals.


http://www.usatoday.com/usatonline/20040402/6075622s.htm[/QUOTE]

I will tell you that I am not a catholic and quite honestly, I don't consider myself to be religious. Maybe that is why it is easier for me to say that I believe that having the right to refuse feeding is your own personal choice and not necessarily euthanasia. I believe that in certain situations when faced with the need to make a decision for a family member I would want them to have a feeding tube. In that case, if it were started, I certainly would not remove the tube. However, in the case of a patient coming into the hospital with a clear advance directive that states that they do not want a feeding tube......I would honor that request.

I think that once again, we see the Pope speaking with the voice of authority and not necessarily having the medical background to make an intelligent statement. I am saddened to think how this decision will impact the lives (and deaths) of patients hospitalized in Catholic hospitals. I for one will be certain not to allow myself or a loved one to be faced with this dilemma.....I would EMTALA them out of the hospital if necessary to allow them the dignity to face death in their own way.

[MikeLPN]

Uhhh Ohhh!

[NursesRmofun]

I wonder why he thinks he has the right to do that? ACK

[fergus51]

Well, he has the right to interpret everything based on the doctrines of the church (think birth control, sex before marriage, etc). I just think it's unrealistic and cruel. I see the same things with our muslim families. They will NEVER stop treatment.

[NursesRmofun]

Originally Posted by fergus51

Well, he has the right to interpret everything based on the doctrines of the church (think birth control, sex before marriage, etc). I just think it's unrealistic and cruel. I see the same things with our muslim families. They will NEVER stop treatment.

Well, I don't believe in the doctrines of the church (or at least that church), so that is why I ask the question, I guess. I don't think a Pope, Priest, etc., should be telling everyone how to make end of life decisions or declaring that kind of decision moral or immoral.

[oramar]

on the other hand he does not say you have to have one inserted, so if you don't have one inserted there is no problem with stopping it's use is there, my MIL could have had a feeding tube but fortunately hubby saw what his aunt went through with one and declined, she had given him her medical power of atorney by the way

[Energizer Bunny]

I guess I just find myself disgusted that so many people make decisions based on what one man thinks. I mean, really, that's all the Pope is is a man.

It's not like God is saying "make sure you use feeding tubes on everyone". OIY!