Question of the Month

I’ve read that the Vatican has stated that a feeding tube can’t be removed from a patient. Does this apply to every situation?

On September 14, 2007, Vatican officials affirmed the moral obligation to provide food and water to patients in a persistent vegetative state (permanently unconscious), even when this nutrition needs to be artificially administered. This is an important statement and certainly one that maintains the fundamental dignity of all human life. At the same time, it is important to keep in mind that this statement speaks only to those diagnosed in persistent vegetative state, which is a relatively small number. This statement does not speak to or apply to other people who are receiving medically assisted nutrition and hydration (via feeding tubes).

The question regarding the obligation to provide medically assisted nutrition and hydration via a feeding tube for other patients is dealt with in the context discussed in the Ethical and Religious Directives of Catholic Health Care Services.  While the presumption is made to ordinarily provide for nutrition and hydration in these circumstances, the Directives do speak to the limitations of that obligation under certain circumstances. These circumstances, such as when a patient is eminently dying, should be discussed with the physician, other healthcare professionals, and the patient’s clergy.

As is the case with all life-sustaining measures, it is important to remember that there is a vital distinction between allowing someone to die vs. intentionally doing or not doing something to cause their death. These are among the most painful and difficult decisions that people ever have to make, and require the utmost thought, prayer, and discernment.