Topic: End of Life Care
Resources in this topic
Bioethics in Brief: Principle of Double Effect
Other Resources
April 16, 2022
What is the ‘Principle of Double Effect’? When making a moral decision, we often treat side-effects of our actions differently from effects we intend. For example, when giving criticism, we think it more problematic morally to hurt the person intentionally than merely to foresee that our words will cause them pain. Sometimes we tolerate even
Bioethics in Brief: Withdrawing and Refusing Treatment
Other Resources
April 16, 2022
Is it ever morally acceptable to withdraw or refuse life-sustaining treatment? Withdrawing or refusing life-saving or life-sustaining treatment is not a decision to be taken lightly. Human beings are created in the image and likeness of God and our lives have intrinsic value. As such, we have a general duty to preserve and defend life.
Evidence of Harm: Assessing the Impact of Assisted Dying / Assisted Suicide on Palliative Care
ABN Papers
February 11, 2026
Executive Summary i. The aim of this paper is to examine critically the evidence given in support of the conclusion in the House of Commons Health and Social Care Committee 2024 Report on Assisted Dying / Assisted Suicide [AD / AS] that they ‘did not see any indications of palliative and end-of-life care deteriorating in quality
Position Paper of the Abrahamic Monotheistic Religions on Matters Concerning the End of Life
Other Resources
October 28, 2019
Representatives from the Catholic and Orthodox Churches and the Jewish and Muslim faiths signed a joint declaration at the Vatican reaffirming each religion’s clear opposition to euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide. Pope Francis met with the signatories on 28 October 2019 when they presented him with a copy they had signed earlier that day. They include
Euthanasia Case Studies from Belgium: Concerns About Legislation and Hope for Palliative Care
ABN Papers
June 23, 2026
Summary In examining the ethics of euthanasia and assisted suicide (EAS), it is common to focus on presenting arguments which either support or oppose the legalisation of the practice. As EAS is now legal in many countries (and in some cases, has been for many years) however, there is emerging evidence of the effect of
Samaritanus Bonus: on the care of persons in the critical and terminal phases of life
Magisterial Documents
July 14, 2020
Description The Good Samaritan who aids an injured man (Luke 10:30-37) signifies Jesus Christ who encounters human beings in need of salvation and cares for our wounds and suffering. This letter takes inspiration from the Good Samaritan to enlighten pastors and the faithful regarding their questions and uncertainties about medical care, and their spiritual and
Declaration on Euthanasia
Magisterial Documents
May 5, 1980
Description In response to questions asked by ‘a number of Episcopal Conferences’, this document sets out the Church’s teaching on euthanasia. Note the date which is prior to moves in the Netherlands for the legal toleration of euthanasia. It is in four sections: I. Human life is the basis of all human goods and all