Table of Contents

Acknowledgments Introduction Abbreviations Chapter 1. Ordinary and Extraordinary Treatment Chapter 2. Killing and Allowing to Die Chapter 3. Decisions by Competent Patients Chapter 4. Decisions for Incompetent Patients Chapter 5. Advance Directives Chapter 6. Hydration and Nutrition Chapter 7. Physician-Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia Chapter 8. Medical Futility Glossary Cases Cited References Index

Promotional Information

This practical book will be a valuable tool for health care chaplains who must deal with these issues on a regular basis. -- Rev. Jeffrey R. Funk, executive director, Healthcare Chaplains Ministry Association This book provides an excellent understanding of Catholic perspectives on medical care at the end of life. Kelly brings to his analysis a broad knowledge of medical ethics, a deep Christian wisdom, a cogent and convincing presentation, and a clear writing style. -- Charles E. Curran, , Elizabeth Scurlock University Professor of Human Values, Southern Methodist University, and author of The Moral Theology of Pope John Paul II In Medical Care at the End of Life, David Kelly brings his usual blend of rich clinical experience, excellent theological and bioethical resources, and a high degree of common sense and wisdom to bear on problematic issues surrounding the care of people at the end of life. His discussion of these issues is thoughtful and practical, well-grounded in the ethical dimensions of the debates, and extremely pastoral in application. This is a very important contribution to these debates and will be helpful to many different audiences. -- Thomas A. Shannon, professor emeritus of religion and social ethics, Worcester Polytechnic Institute

About the Author

David F. Kelly is professor emeritus of theology and health care and was the founding director of the Health Care Ethics Center at Duquesne University. Among his books are Critical Care Ethics: Treatment Decisions in American Hospitals and Contemporary Catholic Health Care Ethics. He is coeditor of Three Patients: International Perspectives on Intensive Care at the End of Life.

Reviews

This book provides an exploration of the critical thinking necessary for a wide audience to make fully informed decisions regarding end-of-life health care treatment decision. It is sufficiently detailed through narratives and the application of cases to the author's own experience. Ethics committees, medical practitioners, patients and their families, and college bioethics classes will find the text useful for continuing education, clarification, and discussion. Health Progress For those concerned about the ethical dimensions of caring for persons at the end of life, this book in valuable. In addition, it is indispensable for those who are seeking insight about Catholic moral teaching on these issues, and how that teaching has contributed to the broader secular conversation. Vision Strong in clinical experience and engagement with patients and families, Kelly offers a Catholic perspective on hotly contested issues ... An excellent introduction to many legal controversies and rulings in the matter of health care. America David F. Kelly's Medical Care at the End of Life is an indispensable guide for any person concerned with this topic-which should mean everyone ... the book contains such a balanced treatment of all of the issues at hand. Catholic Library World Kelly brings his expansive knowledge of Catholic health care ethics, church teachings and legal precedent together to contribute a fresh perspective on end-of-life care. Conscience