Again my mother has been pressured by a medical professional (a nurse) to have her husband's feeding tube removed. Why? Because he's too old and sick and the cost of his medical care is astronomical. My mother's husband, who for 25 years has been her constant companion, her helpmate and friend, has now become a burden. The message is clear - my mother would be better off without him. He would be better off dead. Put out of his misery like some ill-fated, broken-legged race horse.
Is it true that my step-father may not fully recover from recent amputation surgery? Yes. Is it possible he may have to endure further surgery? Yes. Is it likely he will continue to experience physical pain and suffering? Yes. Is death imminent? No. With the feeding tube in place, Ernest continues to receive nutrition and hydration. He continues to enjoy watching basketball and golf on TV. He is able to receive the most precious Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of the Resurrected Christ. And everyday he tells his wife that he loves her. Removal of the feeding tube will certainly put an end to all of this. And that is what they think best.
I'm sorry, isn't that murder?
If I could, I would ask this nurse just what the cause of death would be? What would she jot down on his chart? Murder by starvation and dehydration? Doubtful.
Please pray for my mother. She is weary and care-worn. She needs sustenance to continue to fight for her husband's right to life. The last thing she needs is erroneous advice from foolish health-care workers swooping down like birds of prey feasting upon her vulnerability. They always strike while their victim is weakest.
I encourage everyone to read (or reread) Pope John Paul II's 1995 encyclical Evangelium Vitae. The Holy Father speaks eloquently and prophetically on upholding the dignity of life in a society that continues to embrace a culture of death. Unfortunately, with the current state of health care in our country, i.e., Obamacare, I think we've only just begun to fight.
Darby,
ReplyDeleteThis is just an awful situation for Bea. I am so sorry that she has to contend with it at all.
There are, of course, cases where it is legitimate and licit to remove a feeding tube -- if it is no longer necessary or, if its removal will not bring about death. However, in Ern's case, the removal of the tube will directly contribute to hastening death because of his swallowing issues. With the tube, Ern could live the rest of his life comfortably.
The medical bills will work themselves out. The cost of medical care is astronomical, yes. But, this is the same mentality that rationalizes aborting a child based on the cost of raising that child. So many hearts have been led astray by that line of thought.
Plus, I look at the benefits to Ern over the last several weeks. He was given the opportunity to enter into a state of grace through the Catholic Church. Might he have been able to make that same decision without proper nourishment or with chronic pneumonia? I doubt it. His immortal soul has benefited enormously from that tube. Wouldn't you say? And, Bea and Ern are afforded some further precious time together while he continues to improve. It's a blessing, that little feeding tube. Why would anyone choose to look past the blessings and view them as burdens. What a sad reality that is!
Anyway, we're still praying on this end. Please, let Bea know that we think she and Ern are loving and courageous!
Right on, Kathy! Thank you!
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