Editorial

To Feed or Not to Feed: Terri Schiavo and the Use of Artificial Nutrition and Fluids

Authors: John J. Paris, SJ

Abstract

The recent events surrounding the case of Terri Schiavo have illuminated the moral implications of modern medicine in regards to artificially sustaining life. Among the issues raised by Terri’s parents against the withdrawal of the feeding tube was that such an action would be euthanasia and would violate their daughter’s Catholic religious beliefs. The split within the family, the emotionally charged rhetoric, and the political posturing in this case have drowned out both rational discourse and historical memory. This turmoil has led some politicians and even a few bishops and cardinals to denounce the removal of Terri Schiavo’s feeding tube as “euthanasia” or “murder.” However, this interpretation of the Catholic position on the sanctity of life is not consonant with traditional Church teaching.

This content is limited to qualifying members.

Existing members, please login first

If you have an existing account please login now to access this article or view purchase options.

Purchase only this article ($25)

Create a free account, then purchase this article to download or access it online for 24 hours.

Purchase an SMJ online subscription ($75)

Create a free account, then purchase a subscription to get complete access to all articles for a full year.

Purchase a membership plan (fees vary)

Premium members can access all articles plus recieve many more benefits. View all membership plans and benefit packages.

References

1. Address of Pope John Paul II to the Participants in the International Congress on Life-Sustaining Treatments and Vegetative States: Scientific Advances and Ethical Dilemmas. Origins 2004;33:738–740.
 
2. Smith RE. Ordinary and Extraordinary Means. Ethics Medics 1995;20.
 
3. McCartney JJ. The Development of the Doctrine of Ordinary and Extraordinary means of Processing Life in Catholic Moral Theology Before the Karen Quinlan Case [Relations Theologicae]. Linacre Quarterly 1980;47:215–226.
 
4. Deciding to Forego Life-Sustaining Treatment. In, President’s Commission for the study of Ethical Problems in Medicine and Biomedical Research. Buffalo, William S. Hein & Company, 1980.
 
5. US Conference of Catholic Bishops. Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services. 4th ed. Washington, DC, National Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2001.
 
6. Barber v Superior Court, 147 3d 1006 (CA App 1983).
 
7. American Medical Association. Current Opinions of the Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs, 1986.§ 2.18.
 
8. Cruzan v Director, Missouri Department of Health, 497 US 261 110 S Ct 2841 (1990).
 
9. Lynch RN. Lynch Concerning the Removal of the Feeding Tube of Terri Schiavo [Florida Catholic Conference Web site]. Available at: http://www.flacathconf.org. Accessed October 15, 2003.
 
10. Lynch RN. Lynch Concerning the Terri Schiavo Case [Florida Catholic Conference Web site].Available at: http://www.flacathconf.org. Accessed August 12, 2003. http://www.flacathconf.org