RT Article
T1 Reflections on the Papal Allocution Concerning Care for Persistent Vegetative State Patients
JF Christian bioethics
VO 12
IS 1
SP 83
OP 97
A1 O'Rourke, Kevin
LA English
PB Oxford University Press
YR 2006
UL https://ixtheo.de/Record/1780298412
AB 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.
DO 10.1093/13803600600629991