Almost suicide

[flatworm]

I have a friend who has an elderly, but healthy aunt. About five years ago, the aunt had lost her husband. She continued to live, but not as happily as she had when her husband was alive. Just recently, after she turned 70, she announced to my friend’s family that she wished her life to take a natural path. If she becomes ill, she does not want any medical treatment. She prefers to let nature take it’s course, even if that means death. I’m having a hard time distinguishing this act from suicide. It’s not as dramatic as jumping off a 10 story building, but she is not taking measures which could save her life. She is a devout catholic, and finds peace in her decision, leaving it “in the hands of God.” Do you think she is committing suicide and will consequently be sent to hell for taking her own life when she could have saved it (by just going to the doctor)? At all costs, aren’t Catholics supposed to preserve life? I’m close to this family, and not sure what to do. Any advice?

 

[Timidity]

flatworm:

At all costs, aren’t Catholics supposed to preserve life?

No.

 

[Didi]

I don’t believe this is the same at all as deciding to end one’s own life. If she means that she doesn’t want any extraordinary measures (life support, possible chemotherapy or radiation if she has cancer) these are within her rights to choose. What we cannot do is refuse nourishment or hydration (food & water) if we are able to eat and drink as this would be a form of slowly starving ourselves to death.

By the way, do you know if she has a living will or durable power of attorney that legally lists her wishes? If not, she needs to do so.

 

[flatworm]

My original reaction was similar. I thought that she was placing her trust with God, and whatever happens, happens. But the more I think about it, the more I don’t like it. There are sins for intentionally doing evil things (acts of commission), and there are sins for not doing something when one should (acts of ommission). God gave her life and may want her to experience many more years. God provided us with doctors and medical technology so we can continue to live longer and longer to experience life. Her spirit is one of suicide. She feels as though her life was well lived and that she is ready to accept death when it comes. She’s not actively seeking out death, but if she becomes ill, she’ll do nothing to prevent it. We talk to an actively suicidal person to prevent him/her from killing him/herself. Is it just as bad to ignore a “passively” suicidal person? Should I not do what I can to encourage her to stay alive? Like I said, she’s a very devout Catholic and very happy with her decision. But I just don’t like it. I find the whole thing to be very confusing.

 

[Timidity]

flatworm:

But the more I think about it, the more I don’t like it.

Forget about what you think. What does the Church teach? Have you read what the cathechism says on the matter?

 

[benw98]

From the Catechism:
2278 Discontinuing medical procedures that are burdensome, dangerous, extraordinary, or disporoportionateto the expected outcome can be legitiamte; it is the refusal of ‘oversealous’ treatment. Here one does not will to cause death; one’s ability to impede it is merely accepted…The decisions should be made by the patient, or, if not, by those legally entitled to act for the patient, whose reasonable will and legitimate interests must always always be respected.

This situation sounds like the one described in this section of the Catechism. I would say that she should be encouraged to take any painkillers, but no extraordinary measures, like surgery or healing medicines, need to taken.
Hope this helps,
Benjamen J Wren

 

[Benedictus]

She may be suffering from depression.