CATHOLIC PERSEPCTIVE: ADVANCE DIRECTIVES DIRECTIVES ON HEALTH CARE

THE CATHOLIC PERSPECTIVE:


ADVANCE DIRECTIVES FOR HEALTH CARE FORM

Documents which provide guidance when a person is no longer able to make health care decisions are called “advance directives.” It is recommended that those completing an advance directive also appoint a health care representative who is someone who is trusted and authorized to evaluate what the patient would want and to make those health care decisions. The Catechism of the Catholic Church provides clear guidance on end of life issues. The NJCC of Bishops has an Advance Directives for Health Care Form which reflects the Catholic perspective. Copies are available by contacting the Respect Life Office at 732-388-8211. A copy can also be downloaded from the NJCC website www.njcathconf.com. These forms are also available in Spanish.



A Catholic Guide to End-of-Life Decisions is a resource made available by the National Catholic Bioethics Center. This document provides a clear explanation of the Church’s teaching on en-of-life care, including advance directives and physician assisted suicide. Individual copies of this guide can be ordered online at www.ncbcenter.org.