Death and Dying

[Steve-Indy]

Hi, I just received word that my Dad will not have hope to recover from respiratory complications from a recent surgery. He has elected to forgo any additional treatments which have/will or would overburden his quality of life and recovery. Because of this conscience decision to do this, the probability would be he would have 24 hours of life. My question is whether this is a moral/ethical/ spiritiually correct decision for him to make. Is this acceptable according to the church or is it akin to suicide? Please help is appreciated for my own understanding.

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Dear Steve,

Your Dad is under no obligation to extend the length of his life by any extraordinary means. His decision sounds well within the teaching of the Church on the matter. He and your family are in our prayers.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.