How do Catholics view life?

Christian beliefs about life after death are based on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Christians believe that Jesus’ death and resurrection are part of God’s divine plan for humankind.

Is hospice care against the Catholic Church?

Intentionally hastening death not only violates the sanctity of human life and the Ethical and Religious Directives the Catholic hospice is bound to uphold, but it also runs counter to the general philosophy that hospice neither hastens nor postpones death.

How do Catholics feel about hospice?

The Catholic Church does not believe in euthanasia or in taking away life-sustaining care to allow a life to end. We strive to create a balance between providing life-sustaining care and avoiding prolonging suffering.

Is hospice a religious organization?

Hospice has no religious affiliation. Hospice provides chaplains and other spiritual counselors from all faiths and no faith. They respect all cultures and points of view and are there to lend support and discuss the patient’s and the family’s feelings.

What does the Catholic Church say about end of life issues?

In the Catholic tradition there is a moral obligation to use ordinary medical treatments aimed at prolonging life. Catholic patients are under no obligation to receive medical treatments that in their judgment are extraordinary or disproportionate.

What are the disadvantages of hospice?

List of the Disadvantages of Hospice Care

• Hospice care can result in some financial difficulties.
• Patients may receive a denial of some diagnostic tests.
• Patients must meet a specific standard to qualify for hospice care.
• Some agencies do not provide the quality of care that patients deserve.

What does the Catholic Church say about life support?

Catholic individuals and health care institutions try to apply the Catholic Church’s ethical teachings to this area of decision-making. However, advances in medical technology have complicated the task of applying traditional Catholic teachings to contemporary health care quandaries.

Are there Catholic beliefs about withdrawing life support?

Withdrawing life support is a complex ethical dilemma. Decisions about end-of-life medical care are often fraught with difficulty. Decisions about withdrawing life support are especially difficult. Catholic individuals and health care institutions try to apply the Catholic Church’s ethical teachings to this area of decision-making.

What is the basic principle of life support?

With respect to other kinds of life support, such as ventilators, the basic Catholic principle is that “a person may forgo extraordinary or disproportionate means of preserving life.” It is important to note that this assessment — of what is extraordinary or disproportionate — is the patient’s prerogative.

Why is human life sacred to the Catholic Church?

The Church teaches, “Human life is sacred because from its beginning it involves the creative action of God and it remains forever in a special relationship with the Creator, Who is its sole end.