Florida Bishops on Terri Schiavo

The case of Terri Schiavo is clearly a tragic one that has occupied concern of many people both within and beyond Florida.  Bishop Robert Lynch of the Diocese of St. Petersburg and the Bishops of the Florida Catholic Conference have issued several statements as the case has unfolded.  These can be viewed in their entirety on the front page of Florida Catholic Conference website, www.flacathconf.org.

 At this juncture, we wish to reiterate several themes from those statements:

1.                      Lament Confusion as to Her Condition

We lament that there remains – in the eyes of many – confusion as to Terri Schiavo’s actual condition and prospects for her treatment.  We have continually requested that parties involved seek greater resolution in this regard. 

2.                  Presumption for Nutrition and Hydration

The Catholic community begins discussions regarding the withdrawal and withholding of artificial nutrition and hydration with a presumption in favor of their provision.  However, when the burdens exceed the benefits of providing them, they may be withdrawn or withheld.  We note that what is too burdensome for one person may not be too burdensome for another.   

3.                  Need for Health Care Advance Directives

That Terri Schiavo left no written instructions as to whom should make such decisions in her absence (a healthcare surrogate), or what criteria ought to be used to make such determinations has contributed to the difficulty of this case.  This is not rare.  Studies indicate that approximately 20% of adults have completed such tools.  We urge all adults to utilize written directives, and we offer a Catholic Declaration on Life and Death, which can be found on the website.  (http://www.flacathconf.org/Health/CDLD.  

4.                  Need for Ethical Decision-making

It is also important to note that such health care surrogates and medical directions can never “trump” or override appropriate moral considerations. In this regard, Catholic teaching notes that the proxy may not deliberately cause a patient’s death or refuse ordinary and normal treatment, even if he or she believes a patient would have made such a decision. 

5.                  Presume Best Intentions

We urge people to refrain from excessive rhetoric and misguided zeal, against which Pope Pius XI cautioned.  There are many unanswered questions in this case, and it is necessary to presume upon the best intentions of all involved until shown otherwise. 

6.                  Opposition to Euthanasia

We oppose euthanasia.  While withdrawal of Terri Schiavo’s nutrition and hydration will lead to her death, if this is being done because its provision would be too burdensome for her, it could be acceptable.  If it is being done to intentionally cause her death, this would be wrong.

 7.           Join in Prayer for Terri Schiavo and Family

We continue to ask all people of good will to join us in prayer for Terri Schiavo, whose spiritual needs are being met by clergy of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, and for all involved in this difficult case, especially her husband, parents and siblings.