Vatican letter on end of life care

In response to efforts to legalize euthanasia and assisted suicide, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has released a letter “Samaritanus Bonus” on the care of persons in the critical and terminal phases of life. The letter re-proposes what has been consistent Church teaching in opposition to euthanasia and assisted suicide, as well as addresses palliative care and hospice. The document expresses opposition to “aggressive medical treatment” when imminent death is unavoidable.

Here’s a link to the Vatican’s news release: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2020-09/samaritanus-bonus-summary-cdf-doctrine-faith-euthanasia-suicide.html

Here’s a link to the full document: http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_20200714_samaritanus-bonus_en.html

Tom Chapman

Iowa Catholic Conference