End-of-Life Options: Tube Feeding


Is it ever acceptable to forgo life-sustaining treatment?	Evangelical Lutheran Church of America
Yes. "As the final stages of the dying process occur, there comes a time to recognize the reality of what is happening by refraining from attempts to resuscitate the person and by discontinuing the use of artificial life support systems. To try desperately to maintain the vital signs of an irreversibly dying person for whom death is imminent is inconsistent with a Christian ethic that mandates respect for dying, as well as for living" ("Death and Dying"). "When death is likely or imminent, a peaceful death should become the goal of a health care system, sought as confidently and competently as other goals through adequate palliative care and services such as hospice. ECLA 2001: 7). '

Is it ever acceptable to forgo artificial nutrition and hydration?
Yes. "Food and water are part of basic human care. Artificially-administered nutrition and hydration move beyond basic care to become medical treatment. . . . Medical treatment may be limited in some instances, and death allowed to occur. Patients have a right to refuse unduly burdensome treatments which are disproportionate to the expected benefits. . . . When artificially-administered nutrition and hydration are withheld or withdrawn, family, friends, health care professionals, and pastor should continue to provide relief from suffering, physical comfort, and assurance of God's enduring love" (ECLA 1992: 3).

Citations
Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. 1992. Message on End-of-life Decisions. Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. 2001. Health, Healing and Health Care: First Draft of a Social Statement. "Death and Dying." 1982. 11th Biennial Convention, Lutheran Church in America (September 3-10) Abbott, Deborah, and Nelson, Paul. "Religious Beliefs and Healthcare Decision: The Lutheran Tradition" in Religious Traditions and Healthcare Decisions. Chicago: Park Ridge Center.