Ordinary and Extraordinary Treatments: When Does Quality of Life Count?

• Published in: Theological studies (Baltimore) Vol. 58; no. 3; pp. 527 - 531
• Main Author: Meilaender, Gilbert
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Washington, DC Theological Studies 01.09.1997; Sage Publications Ltd. (UK); Society of Jesus in the United States, Theological Faculties
• Subjects: Christianity; Contemporary period; Corporal life ethics; Ethical aspects; General subjects; Health aspects; History and sciences of religions; Medical care decision-making authority (Law); Moral theology; Persistent vegetative state; Quality of life; Religious aspects; Right to refuse treatment; Social moral; Christian ethics; Disease; Bioethics

[Editor's Note: Kevin Wildes recently argued in this journal that the distinction between ordinary and extraordinary treatments requires judgments about quality of life. The author of this response suggests that Wildes is correct in his general claim about the nature of these judgments, but tha...