Catholic Health-care Workers Gather to reflect on End-of-Life Issues

50 people braved the snow from as far away as Pembroke last Saturday, March 1, 2008 to participate in a session of education and reflection on end-of-life issues for catholic health-care workers. A mixture of physicians, nurses, social workers and people involved in pastoral care, participants engaged in rich and important discussion about what shapes a catholic perspective on end-of-life issues, and the vital importance of bringing that to bear upon the complex, difficult, sometimes tragic situations that make decision-making very difficult.

Resource persons, Dr. Moira McQueen, a bio-ethicist from The University of Toronto, as well as a member of the advisory committee to The Catholic Office for Life and Family, and Dr. Bill Splinter, an anesthesiologist at CHEO and a palliative care physician, gave excellent input that was greatly appreciated by all. Moira provided an insightful presentation on “What is a catholic perspective on end-of-life?” that helped to clarify many things. Bill presented six case scenarios that helped to surface some of the most complex and fundamental issues around end-of-life. He also presented some foundational principles he uses to guide his responses. Lively discussion ensued with very engaged participants with very significant observations, experiences and questions. One person noted that there is a growing chasm between how our Catholic Tradition guides the practice of medicine and what society if asking health-care professionals to do. This is a great problem and challenge that needs to be addressed. Another participant reminded everyone that these challenges also call us to public debate and action. .

Dr. Bill Splinter(left) and Dr. Moira McQueen present clarifying and challenging insights to participants.

Not only do we need to speak out against euthanasia, but also in favour of excellent palliative care that assures people of comfort, physical, emotional and spiritual support, and relief from pain. We must lobby hard for this as part of the solution to the growing support in society for euthanasia and physician assisted suicide

Catholic Health-care workers have a very important leadership role to play in upholding the dignity of human life and respect for every person in the face of growing support in Canadian society for euthanasia. The Ontario Bishops acknowledge this vital role of health-care workers in a recent pastoral letter “Going to the House of the Father.” We must do all that we can in our faith communityto help and support them.

Participants indicated that the session was supportive and very helpful to them. Many asked for more of the same. Responding to this request is an important part of an ongoing education strategy in our diocese to help everyone reflect deeply on these issues in light of the wisdom of our Catholic faith, to help people prepare for the difficult decisions that end-of-life can bring, and to be prepared to be intelligent, compassionate, and persuasive participants in the public debate. All are encouraged to take advantage of the growing number of “In Support of Life” education resources available in the diocese. Please contact our adult faith development office for further information: ckuzmochka@ecclesia-ottawa.org or (613)738-5025 (x251).

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