Do Not Resuscitate

[Lost_Sheep]

I was filling out some forms at a doctor’s office yesterday, and was asked the question regarding my wishes in the event of a dire medical situation. One of the options I could check was “Do not resuscitate.”

I didn’t check it of course, but if I had would I still be in good graces with the Church? Would opting to not be resuscitated be, in effect, “self euthanasia” or even assisted suicide? Am I obligated to receive extraordinary life support measures to remain alive? Or is it perfectly alright to let nature take its course?

For that matter, if God decides that it is “my turn” are doctors interfering with His will?

I should add that I am only 53 years old, and it is not like I am 95 with nearly a zero chance of recovery.

 

[Bookcat]

This can be helpful:

ncbcenter.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=292

ncbcenter.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=281

Contact them if you have more questions (they are also who CA also recommends…and the author here appears on the show at times)

 

[Soldier_Of_God]

It’s my understanding, if your illness or affliction is terminal, then a DNR option is permissable. If the effort or treatments are unbearable or extremely onerous, a DNR is acceptable in principle to Church teachings, although the specific circumstance may vary this option. Personally, I would be a little hesitant to sign a DNR order as I would not want to have resuscitation efforts left to the discretion of strangers.

 

[Catholic90]

I was filling out some forms at a doctor’s office yesterday, and was asked the question regarding my wishes in the event of a dire medical situation. One of the options I could check was “Do not resuscitate.”

I didn’t check it of course, but if I had would I still be in good graces with the Church? Would opting to not be resuscitated be, in effect, “self euthanasia” or even assisted suicide? Am I obligated to receive extraordinary life support measures to remain alive? Or is it perfectly alright to let nature take its course?

For that matter, if God decides that it is “my turn” are doctors interfering with His will?

I should add that I am only 53 years old, and it is not like I am 95 with nearly a zero chance of recovery.

Checking “DNR” is not like assisted suicide. It is letting nature take its course. We are not required to use extraordinary measures to remain alive.

I had to choose whether or not to put a DNR bracelet on my hospitalized DH about this time last year. His internal organs were all failing and there was little hope of recovery. The concern was that his heart may fail next, and the question was if he had a heart attack, would I want extraordinary measures taken to make sure he kept breathing. After consulting with 2 priests and his parents, a DNR was signed.

 

[1ke]

I didn’t check it of course, but if I had would I still be in good graces with the Church?

Yes

Would opting to not be resuscitated be, in effect, “self euthanasia” or even assisted suicide?

No

Am I obligated to receive extraordinary life support measures to remain alive?

No.

Or is it perfectly alright to let nature take its course?

Yes

For that matter, if God decides that it is “my turn” are doctors interfering with His will??

No.

 

[Bookcat]

This can be helpful:

ncbcenter.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=292

ncbcenter.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=281

Contact them if you have more questions (they are also who CA also recommends…and the author here appears on the show at times)

And it is important to note as he does: “Weighing and determining whether a treatment is ordinary or extraordinary is not always a simple and straightforward task.”

Please read the above articles …

 

[Bookcat]

This will also be of help: DNR: the Moral Principles

ewtn.com/library/PROLIFE/zcathdnr.HTM

 

[praxising]

I have a DNR, I carry it in my purse at all times. I’m taking the first exit.

 

[marica_mandic]

I was filling out some forms at a doctor’s office yesterday, and was asked the question regarding my wishes in the event of a dire medical situation. One of the options I could check was “Do not resuscitate.”

I didn’t check it of course, but if I had would I still be in good graces with the Church? Would opting to not be resuscitated be, in effect, “self euthanasia” or even assisted suicide? Am I obligated to receive extraordinary life support measures to remain alive? Or is it perfectly alright to let nature take its course?

For that matter, if God decides that it is “my turn” are doctors interfering with His will?

I should add that I am only 53 years old, and it is not like I am 95 with nearly a zero chance of recovery.

We must wait God. God wishes is our best solution.
That can mean that we must suffer long time.

 

[Lost_Sheep]

We must wait God. God wishes is our best solution.
That can mean that we must suffer long time.

Thank you, but this sounds like you are offering your personal opinion. My question was, What is the Church’s position on the subject?