Basic Questions on End of Life Decisions: How Do We Know What's Right?
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Overview
The choices that we make throughout life are products of what we value. And the value we place on human life will determine the way we treat ourselves and others throughout the end-of-life process. Now, more than ever, Christians need to address the crucial questions pertaining to the end of life. Some of the questions answered in this work include:
- How do I adequately prepare for the dying process?
- Should I consider organ donation?
- How can I cope with suffering that God doesn't relieve?
- Do I have a right to determine my medical treatment?
- If I remove life support, am I responsible for the death?
Top Highlights
“While imminently dying patients will usually stop symptom care at some point, we should do everything possible to ensure that they receive whatever treatments and medication that are necessary to relieve their discomfort. This is comfort care.” (Page 17)
“We must keep in mind that medical technology is a human invention, not a divine mandate.” (Page 20)
“We must aggressively care for every patient, but the range of that care will differ depending on the condition of the patient. When curative care is appropriate, symptom care, comfort care, and respect care should also be provided. When curative care is not possible but symptom care is appropriate, comfort care and respect care are appropriate as well. When symptom care is deemed no longer beneficial, only comfort care and respect care are administered. Sometimes, though, only respect care is appropriate.” (Page 19)
“It is still appropriate, though, out of respect for them and their bodies, to provide whatever care can limit the visible deterioration of their bodies (e.g., keeping the mouth moist and clean, washing the body, and so forth). This is respect care. Respect care should be provided for all patients, no matter what their condition.” (Page 18)
“The dying process is not only the experience of an individual, it is the experience of a community” (Page 22)
Contributors
- Linda K. Bevington
- Paige C. Cunningham
- William R. Cutrer
- Timothy J. Demy
- John F. Kilner
- Donal P. O'Mathuna
- Gary P. Stewart
Praise for the Print Edition
...these extraordinary questions are tackled with due seriousness (they make everyone think) and yet also with accessibility (no one who thinks will be excluded). It is hard to imagine a more important set of questions or a more timely publication.
—Nigel M. de S. Cameron, Trinity International University
Product Details
- Title: Basic Questions on End of Life Decisions: How Do We Know What's Right?
- Publisher: Kregel
- Publication Date: 1998
- Pages: 89
About the Contributors
Linda K. Bevington, M.A., is the Project Manager for the Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity, Bannockburn, Illinois.
Paige C. Cunningham, J.D., has written numerous articles on abortion and the law; she is coauthor of the amicus brief that Justice O'Connor cited in her discussion of viability in Webster v. Reproductive Health Services.
William R. Cutrer, M.D., served for many years as an obstetrician/gynecologist specializing in the treatment of infertility. He is currently serving as the Dallas/Fort Worth Area Director for The Christian Medical and Dental Society.
Timothy J. Demy, Th.M., Th.D., is a military chaplain and coauthor and author of numerous books and articles. He is a member of the Evangelical Theological Society.
John F. Kilner, Ph.D., is Director of the Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity, Bannockburn, Illinois. He is also Professor of Bioethics and Contemporary Culture at Trinity International University, Deerfield, Illinois.
Donal P. O'Mathuna, Ph.D., is Associate Professor or Medical Ethics and Chemistry at Mount Carmel College of Nursing, Columbus, Ohio.
Gary P. Stewart, Th.M., D.Min., is a military chaplain and coauthor of numerous books and articles. He is a member of the Evangelical Theological Society.
Sample Pages from the Print Edition
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