Concern for the dignity of each person - especially the most vulnerable members of society - is the foundation of our opposition to the legalization of euthanasia and/or assisted suicide.

There is a substantive moral difference between foregoing treatment (thereby allowing one to die naturally from an underlying pathology),and an action which of itself or by intention causes death, in order that suffering may in this way be eliminated.

The Catholic Conference of Ohio is committed to promote care and compassion in the face of pain and suffering, increased use of ethical principles including advance directives for health care decisions regarding medical treatment, and ongoing education and dialogue.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops have a website on end of life issues.

The Catholic Conference has developed a resource guide, Living With Hope, to aid those who face caring for people nearing the end of life.

News

U. S. Bishops Issue a Policy Statement on Assisted Suicide:
To Live Each Day With Dignity

Ohio Legislation

Links

U.S. Catholic Bishops Office of Pro Life Activities

Catholic Health Association: Advanced Directives Guide

National Catholic Bioethics Center

Church Statements & Articles:

To Live Each Day With Dignity June 16, 2011

5th Edition, Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services, November 17, 2009

Human Dignity & End of Life. Article by Cardinal Rigali & Bishop Lori, America, 8/4/2008

Congregation For the Doctrine of the Faith's Response to U.S. Bishops Questions Concerning Artificial Nutrition and Hydration, August, 2007

Address of Pope John Paul II: To Participants in the International Congress on Life-Sustaining Treatments and Vegetative State: Scientific Advances and Ethical Dilemmas, March 2004

Hopes & Fears: Pastoral Reflections on Death – March, 1993

Death & Life Issues & Ohio Law on Advance Directives – September, 1992

Resources:

USCCB Resources on End of Life Issues

OHA Advance Directives Resources

5th Edition, Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services, November 17, 2009

Living Will, Durable Power of Attorney, Donor Registry Forms

Do-Not-Resuscitate Form

Stewardship of Life

Pain and Suffering, Care and Compassion

Making Difficult Medical Decisions

Informed Decision Making

Advanced Directives: The Need for Communication

Q & A Regarding Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia

Educational Resources from the Catholic Conference of Ohio

Living With Hope...Confronting Our Fears - resource pages
A complete series on the Catholic perspective on Death and Dying

Contacting Your Legislators

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Need More Information

Contact Jim Tobin , 614-224-7147