Künstliche Ernährung
Ausgabe: 2/2010
56. Jahrgang
Bestandteil der Basispflege oder eigenständige Maßnahme? Moraltheologische Überlegungen zur künstlichen Ernährung und Hydrierung
Artificial nutrition provides particular challenges in medical ethics. The author first discusses the reasons for the view that artificial nutrition is part of the basic care that every patient can expect right up to the final stages before death. He concludes that artificial nutrition through a tube or intravenous drip should be regarded as an intensive care measure to sustain life. Thus, based on an examination of the individual case, it may be withdrawn if the original indication no longer applies, as is the case with other lifesustaining measures. Referring to theological anthropology the author points out that the decision to withhold or withdraw artificial nutrition follows from the insight that we should respect and value life but do not have to sustain it at all cost and with all means available.
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