“Unbind Him and Let Him Go” (JN 11:44): Ethical Issues in the Determination of Proportionate and Disproportionate Treatment

• Published in: Theological studies (Baltimore) Vol. 69; no. 4; pp. 894 - 917
• Main Author: Shannon, Thomas A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England SAGE Publications 01.12.2008; Theological Studies; Sage Publications Ltd. (UK); Sage Publications Ltd
• Subjects: Bioethics; Catholic churches; Christianity; Contemporary period; Decision making; Ethics; Fundamental ethics; General subjects; History and sciences of religions; Human Genome Project; Intervention; Moral theology; Palliative care; Patients; Practitioner patient relationship; Religious aspects; United States of America; United States; United States > US; Kansas; Bioethics; Catholic Church

The article (1) reviews a variety of magisterial documents and essays concerning the terms “morally ordinary” and “extraordinary” treatment in relation to the provision of assisted nutrition and hydration, particularly for patients in a “permanent vegetative state”; (2) considers how the terms “ordi...