We continue our
fervent prayers for Terri Schiavo, for her family, and all involved
in this most difficult and heart wrenching situation. After a fourth
consideration of her case, the 2nd District Court of Appeals has
upheld the latest order of the trial court judge to withdraw her
hydration and nutrition tube. An emergency appeal to the Florida
Supreme Court was denied. Barring unforeseen legal intervention, the
trial court will soon re-schedule the removal of Mrs. Schiavo’s
feeding tube. It is most unfortunate that family members have not
been able to agree on her care, forcing the Court’s involvement.
Bishop Robert N. Lynch of the Diocese of St. Petersburg has
spoken in detail to this case (Concerning
Terri Schiavo).* His statement followed careful consultation
with his brother Bishops and we fully support it. Because of so
much uncertainty and dispute, we reiterate his plea that her
treatment be continued while all parties pursue a more clear
understanding of her actual physical condition.
Bishop Lynch’s statement clarifies the teaching of the Church
that nourishment or hydration may be withheld or withdrawn where
that treatment itself is causing harm to the patient or is useless
because the patient’s death is imminent. Church teaching is clear
that there should be a presumption in favor of providing medically
assisted nutrition and hydration to all patients as long as it is of
sufficient benefit to outweigh the burdens involved to the patient.
The Church cannot make this decision, but her teaching guides
those who must: the patient or those legally entitled to do so if
the patient is unable. If Mrs. Schiavo’s feeding tube were to be
removed because the nutrition she receives is of no use to her, or
because she is near death, or because it is unreasonably burdensome
for her, her family, or caregivers, it could be seen as
permissible. But if her feeding tube were to be removed to
intentionally cause her death, or because her life is perceived to
be useless, or because it is believed that the quality of her life
is such that she would be better off, this would be wrong.
Without question, removal of Mrs. Schiavo’s feeding tube will
result in her death. We respect the need for finality of the
court’s decision, but we urge additional time to allow greater
certainty as to her true condition. We respect, too, the
limitations on new evidence being considered by the court, but in
matters of life and death, exceptions should be made. If additional
medical treatment can be shown to be helpful to her condition, we
urge that all parties involved take the safer course and allow it to
be used.
Just as we are concerned for Terri Schiavo, we are also concerned
for others who are weak and vulnerable. There is an inherent danger
in assuming that food and water can simply be withheld without
clearly knowing a patient’s wishes. There is reason to be
circumspect and ever careful in these cases. We reject outright the
euthanasia movement and its utilitarian standard that some lives are
not worth living. Every life is precious and unrepeatable.
And finally, we remember there are times when one may refuse
treatment that will result in a precarious and burdensome
prolongation of life. Properly, this may be seen as an expression
of our hope in the life to come. Let each of us communicate ahead
of time with our families and loved ones, our wishes for treatment
at the end of our lives. To do so will give great comfort to them
in an emotionally stressful time.
We join our prayers with the family and loved ones of Terri
Schiavo in this most difficult time.
Archbishop John
C. Favalora
Archdiocese of Miami
|
Bishop John
J. Nevins
Diocese of Venice
|
Bishop Norbert
M. Dorsey, CP
Diocese of Orlando
|
Bishop John H.
Ricard, SSJ
Diocese of
Pensacola/Tallahassee
|
Bishop Victor
Galeone
Diocese of St. Augustine
|
Bishop Robert
N. Lynch
Diocese of St. Petersburg
|
Bishop-Designate Gerald M. Barbarito, JCL
Diocese of Palm Beach
|
|
Coadjutor
Bishop Thomas G. Wenski
Diocese of Orlando |