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When faced with these kinds of difficult decisions it is vital that ethics
committees entertain both legal and medical perspectives. Attorneys that represent long
term care facilities usually stress the importance of maintaining the integrity of those
facilities. They often advise to proceed with caution (including life sustaining
treatments) until staff can be absolutely certain about the validity of advance directives,
family and power of attorney concerns, etc. Others, who are members of the medical
community and especially those who are involved in daily care, tend to stress the
immediate needs of the patient (beneficence). We need to listen carefully to both points
of view before we can offer a recommendation.
Conclusion
What is permissible when a patient's medical condition is serious, but not
terminal? What are our boundaries as Christians in this matter? It is essential to
remember that our first allegiance is to God. Then we need to be sure that our decisions
fall within the scope of applicable law, including the "spirit" of the law.
5
Finally, we are
accountable to the patient, interested parties, and the health care facility, including staff.
The contributions of religious traditions to ethics as well as the direct witness of Scripture
come to our aid in showing mercy not only to the dying but also to others who are
suffering.
The following represents a few suggested guidelines for evangelicals who are
interested in this ministry. They are not meant to be exhaustive. First, when possible, we