As often as we talk about threats to the dignity of human life at its earliest stages, we are increasingly facing threats from the culture of death at its end.
These threats tend to come in three forms. The first is in a legislative or legal push for assisted suicide and euthanasia. The second is from an unfamiliarity with how to address end-of-life decisions and bioethical considerations. The third is understanding and executing appropriate advance medical directives so that our wishes regarding care and treatment can be followed.
Certainly, assisted suicide and euthanasia continue to press upon Americans. Assisted suicide has been legalized in 10 states and the District of Columbia. Several years ago, Ohio passed explicit statutory provisions prohibiting assisted suicide.
In the recent election, West Virginia adopted a constitutional amendment prohibiting assisted suicide, but the overall trend has been firmly on the side of death. This should be no real surprise: For decades, our culture has told parents they can kill their children if they are unwanted, infirm or burdensome. It is no surprise those children now consider their lives and that of their parents equally disposable.
We also need to do considerable work on the last two: understanding end-of-life decision-making and ensuring that individuals have advance directives that conform to their beliefs.
The reality is, no one wants to be sick, alone or afraid. No one wants to face loss. No one wants to suffer or die, and yet these things all happen in life. The least we can do is to be there for others, as we hope someone will be there for us.
While it may be difficult to talk about, one of the best gifts we can give to our loved ones is clarity about what our wishes might be and the clear legal authority to carry out those wishes. Too often these discussions are postponed until moments of medical crisis, grief or fear. Those are the moments when every family conflict can be revisited and the moments when we struggle the most with clarity and decision-making. They are also when we most need to understand how to make decisions and who has the legal authority to make them.
In today’s medical and legal environment, every single adult needs a health care power of attorney, irrespective of age, marital status or income.
Out of this need, Greater Columbus Right to Life worked to create our program, Faithful at the End of Life (FATEL).
We have developed two versions: one for specifically Catholic audiences and one that is appropriate for general use. Both contain the same three elements: basics of pro-life, end-of-life bioethics; a life-affirming Health Care Power of Attorney that meets the standards of Ohio law and can be signed with or without the assistance of an attorney; and a collection of helpful guidance and resources that can help along the way. We offer this full program at www.faithfulattheendoflife.org for download, and we regularly offer the program at parishes and organizations. We do not charge for the program or the presentations (although we always accept donations).
The goal is to help people understand some of the difficult questions that often arise and then make sure that if there is ever a time when an individual cannot make these decisions on their own behalf, there is someone who understands their values and beliefs who can.
What is a DNR, and when is it appropriate? How do Catholics determine if a medical treatment is beneficial or burdensome to a patient? Why is it recommended to have a Health Care Power of Attorney but not a Living Will? What about hydration and nutrition when someone cannot drink or eat? What about organ donation? Who do I call for help?
If you have ever thought about these, FATEL can help. If you’ve never thought about them, now is the time.
In November, we contemplate death a little more deeply. We celebrate the saints, known and unknown, and we pray for the souls in purgatory. These practices emphasize our Catholic beliefs in the communion of saints, the power of intercessory prayer, and the hope of resurrection and eternal life. It serves as a reminder of the connection between the living and the deceased, highlighting the importance of praying for those who have gone before us as they await union with God in heaven.
Because we are already considering our own mortality, it is a good time to think about end-of-life issues, communicate with loved ones and give them the gift of clarity.
If you would like to learn more about Faithful at the End of Life or schedule a program at your church or organization, contact us at 614-445-8508. St. Joseph, pray for us.
Beth Vanderkooi is the president of Greater Columbus Right to Life.