Description

There are umpteen occasion that warrant cessation of treatment – leading to death of human beings. Is one duty – bound to sustain a life strive for the purpose in life?

In numerable are such issues – and queries. The ordinary mortals are at sixes and sevens when faced with such perplex situations. Which road should one take? Which way should one walk? This book is an attempt to help one find the sight path and make the right choice in the Held of health care. Doctors, paramedical staff and the layman – for all, this critique could be of immense value.

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER ONE

MISSION OF THE CHRISTIAN DOCTOR 9-30

1. Ethical Mission of the Christian Doctor

General Ethical Responsibilities Some Specific Responsibilities Responsibility for Accurate Diagnosis Responsibility for Skilled Treatment Responsibility for Professional Care Responsibility for Privacy

Responsibility regarding Xrays and Case Histories Responsibility regarding Patient Intangibility and Informed Conset Responsibility regarding Information of Imminent Death

2. Spiritual Mission of the Doctor

3. Pastoral Mission of the Doctor

CH APTER TWO WITHDRAWAL OF LIFE-SUPPORT SYSTEMS 31-81

1. What the Magisterium Teaches

2. What Tradition Says

3. What Contemporary Theologians Affirm

4. What Physicians, Courts, and People Think

5. What Theological Reasons Point to

Meaning of Inviolability of Human Life Notion of a Dying Patient

ArtificialNutrition-Hydrationas Medical Procedure

Right to Die with Dignity
Ordinary and Extraordinary Means

Withdrawal of Artificial Nutrition-Hydration versus Euthanasia Scarce Resources and Care Answer to Objections 6. Care of Hopelessly 111 Patients

CHAPTERTHREE SERIOUSLY DEFECTIVE BABY: TO LIVE OR LET DIE ?

83

1. Medical Considerations

2.Moral Reflections

3. Pastoral Observations

CHAPTER FOUR

AMNIOCENTESIS

1. Introductory Observations

2. Ethical Aspects of Sex Selection

3. Pastoral Considerations

CHAPTER FIVE PREVENTION OF AIDS AND USE OF CONDOMS 111

CONCLUSION