End-of-Life Options: Tube Feeding


Is it ever acceptable to forgo life-sustaining treatment?	Episcopal Church
Yes. "Human beings are precious, cherished creations of God, yet their lives need not be extended at all costs. When individuals are near the end of life and medical powers cannot change their course toward death, there is no moral obligation to prolong their dying. In such circumstances, it is morally appropriate to withhold or withdraw life-sustaining treatment and allow their lives to come to their end ("Life Sustaining Treatment" 1991). [A]s the End-of Life Task Force reaffirmed, when such individuals no longer have decision-making capacity, a surrogate -- or family members when no surrogate has been named -- should make decision about the use of such treatment on the basis of the values and preferences the patient had expressed earlier" ("Toward a Good Christian Death" 1999: 31-40).

Is it ever acceptable to forgo artificial nutrition and hydration?
Yes. When persons are in a comatose state from which there is no reasonable hope of recovery, it is ethically sound to contemplate withholding or removing life-support, including artificial nutrition and hydration ("Toward a Good Christian Death" 1999: 18-19).

Citations
"Amend General Convention Principles on the Prolongation of Life" (Resolution 1994-A056). 1994. Journal of the General Convention of The Episcopal Church. Cohen, Cynthia B. 2003. "Religious Beliefs and Healthcare Decision: The Episcopal Tradition" in Religious Traditions and Healthcare Decisions. Chicago: Park Ridge Center. "Toward a Good Christian Death: Crucial Treatment Choices." 1999. Committee on Medical Ethics (CME), Episcopal Diocese of Washington. Harrisburg, PA: Morehouse. "Life Sustaining Treatment" (resolution A 093a). 1991. Journal of the General Convention of The Episcopal Church.