End of Life
The Latest
Can Catholics donate their organs? Here’s what the Church says
The Catholic Church states that organ donation is an acceptable and even morally laudable practice, but it must always be... Read more
American support for euthanasia based on ‘false dichotomy,’ Catholic researcher says
A poll found that 71% support legalized euthanasia in the U.S., but Dr. Scott French believes Americans’ support for euthanasia... Read more
Disabled Texas woman will not be denied food and water — for now — after judge’s order
Margaret “Margo” Naranjo, 28, suffered severe brain damage in a 2020 car accident. Read more
What is ‘green burial’ and does the Catholic Church allow it?
The practice of “green burials” is growing in popularity including at numerous Catholic cemeteries throughout the United States. Read more
Pope Francis to palliative care symposium: Euthanasia is a ‘failure of love’
Pope Francis sent a message to an interfaith symposium on palliative care taking place in Toronto May 21–23. Read more
Hospice and palliative care: A look at ‘absolutely vital’ end-of-life support
In contrast to assisted suicide and euthanasia, services such as palliative care and end-of-life hospice care seek to uphold the... Read more
Pro-life advocates fight against euthanasia expansions across Canada, Australia
In Canada, euthanasia and assisted suicide have been legal for nearly a decade and in Australia all six of the... Read more
Pope Francis prays for infant Indi Gregory as life support set to be removed in UK
Pope Francis is praying for Indi Gregory and her family as the critically ill British infant’s life support is set... Read more
Pope Francis: It’s never ‘too late’ to receive God’s love
The pope spoke one day after he gave a strong condemnation of euthanasia on his return flight from Marseille, France. Read more
‘You don’t play with life’: Pope Francis condemns euthanasia, abortion on papal plane
“Neither at the beginning nor at the end. It is not played with!” Pope Francis said on a flight from... Read more
UK judge rules seriously ill teen lacks mental competence to seek experimental treatment
The National Health Service trust’s doctors ruled that she is unable to make decisions for herself and asked the court... Read more
UK Catholic bishops join other faith leaders to oppose assisted suicide bills
The Catholic bishops of England, Wales, and Scotland issued statements recently opposing assisted suicide for terminally ill people. Read more
Archie Battersbee, 12, dies after being taken off life support against his parents’ wishes
Archie had been in a coma since April when he was found unconscious with a ligature around his neck. Read more
Irish Supreme Court: Hospital may withhold treatment of child against parents' wishes
The Supreme Court of Ireland ruled Friday that a hospital may withhold medical treatment contrary to the wishes of the... Read more
Too few safeguards, opponents of New Zealand euthanasia, assisted suicide bill say
A New Zealand bill that would legalize euthanasia and assisted suicide does not have enough protections against the possible coercion... Read more
New Zealand to hold referendum on euthanasia, assisted suicide
The New Zealand Parliament voted in favor of legalizing euthanasia and assisted suicide Wednesday, sending the bill to a referendum... Read more
Where hospices are at their worst, Christians have a mission
In the wake of terrible conditions of negligence and abuse reported at some U.S. hospice facilities, several Catholic doctors are... Read more
UK court decision will mean vulnerable patients' starvation, critic says
Brain-damaged patients will be endangered by a U.K. Supreme Court decision making it easier to end their assisted nutrition and... Read more
A hospice that hurried death? Texas courts to weigh criminal charges
In a legal case that includes allegations of death-hastening drug use and falsified do-not-resuscitate orders, a former hospice executive has... Read more
End of life care must acknowledge our mortality, Francis reminds physicians
In a message to medical professionals Thursday, Pope Francis said that when it comes to end-of-life care, treatments should always... Read more
