Determination of Death / Informed Consent

Catholic Perspective:

The Catholic perspective on free and informed consent is rooted in the belief that human beings are created in the image and likeness of God, possessing inherent dignity and free will. While respecting individual autonomy, it also emphasizes the importance of:

• The Common Good: Decisions should consider the well-being of the individual within the context of their family and community.
• Natural Law: Actions should be in accordance with natural law, which is understood as God's plan for human flourishing.
• Moral Conscience: Individuals should follow their informed conscience in making healthcare decisions.

Definitions

• Proxy: A person authorized to make healthcare decisions on behalf of another individual who is incapable of doing so themselves. This authorization can be given through a legal document, such as a Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare.
• Surrogate: Similar to a proxy, a surrogate is someone who makes healthcare decisions for an incapacitated individual. However, the term "surrogate" may be used when there is no formal legal document in place, and the decision-making responsibility falls to a family member or close friend.

Explanations

• Advance Directives: Legal documents that allow individuals to express their wishes regarding future healthcare decisions in case they become incapacitated. These directives can include a Living Will and/or a Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare.
• Living Will: A type of advance directive that outlines an individual's preferences regarding life-sustaining treatment in specific situations, such as terminal illness or irreversible coma. It may include decisions about artificial nutrition and hydration, mechanical ventilation, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
• Power of Attorney (PoA) / Durable Power of Attorney (DPoA): A legal document that authorizes someone (the agent) to act on behalf of another person (the principal) in various matters, including financial, legal, and healthcare decisions. A Durable Power of Attorney remains in effect even if the principal becomes incapacitated.
• Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order: A medical order that instructs healthcare providers not to perform CPR if a patient's heart or breathing stops. This order is typically made by a patient or their authorized representative in consultation with their physician.

Important Notes:

• Laws regarding advance directives and healthcare decision-making vary by jurisdiction.
• It is crucial to have open and honest conversations with family members and loved ones about your healthcare wishes.
• Consulting with a healthcare professional and/or an attorney can be helpful in creating advance directives and ensuring they are legally valid.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal or medical advice. Please consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.

Free and Informed Consent from the Catholic Perspective

In Catholic bioethics, free and informed consent is a fundamental principle emphasizing respect for human dignity and the individual's right to make decisions about their own healthcare. It involves:

• Freedom: The individual must be free from coercion or undue influence when making their decision.
• Information: The individual must receive adequate information about their condition, treatment options, potential risks and benefits, and alternatives. This information should be presented in a clear and understandable manner.
• Consent: The individual must give their explicit consent to the proposed treatment or procedure.