The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Atlanta

End-of-Life Issues

Please refer to these resources to learn more about the Church’s teaching on end-of-life issues, such as the Terri Schindler-Schiavo case in Florida. The information is provided by the Pro-Life Office and Ministry with Persons with Disabilities.

March 31, 2005 - Statement of Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory Regarding the Death of Terri Schiavo (PDF file)

March 22, 2005 - Vatican newspaper, L'Osservatore Romano, reacts to Terri Shiavo case

March 7, 2005 - Vatican Statement on the Terri Schiavo case (PDF file)

March 9, 2005 - Statement by Cardinal William H. Keeler, chairman of the U.S. Bishops’ Committee for Pro-Life Activities statement

February 28, 2005 (and earlier) - Statements by Florida Bishops

March 20, 2004 - Address by Pope John Paul II To the participants in the international congress on "Life-Sustaining Treatments And Vegetative State: Scientific Advances And Ethical Dilemmas”

September 19, 2003 - Statement by Atlanta Archbishop-emeritus John F. Donoghue

June 15, 2001 - NCCB/USCCB Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services, Fourth Edition (Note: Directives 23-28, 55-60 are most relevant)

1994 Catechism of the Catholic Church - Teaching on Euthanasia

1992 U.S. Bishops’ Committee for Pro-Life Activities, Nutrition and Hydration: Moral and Pastoral Reflections Resource Paper