Reflections on the Papal Allocution Concerning Care for Persistent Vegetative State Patients

This article critically examines the recent papal allocution on patients in a persistent vegetative state with regard to the appropriate conditions for considering “reformable statements.” In the first part of the article, the purpose and meaning of the allocution are assessed. O'Rourke conclud...

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Autore principale: O'Rourke, Kevin (Autore)
Tipo di documento: Elettronico Articolo
Lingua:Inglese
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Pubblicazione: Oxford University Press 2006
In: Christian bioethics
Anno: 2006, Volume: 12, Fascicolo: 1, Pagine: 83-97
Accesso online: Volltext (lizenzpflichtig)
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Edizione parallela:Elettronico
Elettronico
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Riepilogo:This article critically examines the recent papal allocution on patients in a persistent vegetative state with regard to the appropriate conditions for considering “reformable statements.” In the first part of the article, the purpose and meaning of the allocution are assessed. O'Rourke concludes that given consideration of the individual patient's best interest, prolonging artificial nutrition and hydration is not, in every case, the best option. Although he stresses favorability for preservation of the life of the patient through artificial nutrition and hydration, costs and benefits to the patient should be weighed. Ultimately, he argues in favor of leaving the decision to the patient, his caregivers, and others immediately involved in the case.
ISSN:1744-4195
Comprende:Enthalten in: Christian bioethics
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.1093/13803600600629991