| Is it ever acceptable to forgo life-sustaining treatment? |
United Methodist Church |
| Yes. "For the United Methodist Church, theological and ethical reflection leads to the conclusion the obligations to use life-sustaining treatments cease when the physical, emotional, financial, or social burdens exceed the benefits for the dying patient and the caregiver" (Book of Records: 33; Book of resoultions 1992). "The family is the proper context for decision making . . . government should not intrude in even a surrogate role" (DuBose, p. 7; See also United Methodist Church 1996: 90). "[W]e assert the right of every person to die in dignity, with loving personal care and without efforts to prolong terminal illnesses merely because the technology is available to do so" (United Methodist Church 1988). |
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 Is it ever acceptable to forgo artificial nutrition and hydration? |
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| Not specifically addressed. |
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United Methodist Church. 1988. The Book of Discipline. United Methodist Church. 1996. The Book of Discipline. |
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