What are some practical guidelines on this question of artificial nutrition and hydration (ANH)?
First, certainly, is the very strong presumption to provide this form of comfort care to the patient. In other words, we begin with this strong presumption to begin or maintain this procedure unless there is a very clear reason to withdraw or withhold the ANH Once the medical evaluation is made that these procedures are not of any benefit to the patient, or in some circumstances, actually result in a burden, or if the procedures do nothing but prolong the act of dying, under these circumstances, it is morally permissible to withdraw the artificially supplied nutrition and hydration from the patient. This must be confirmed by the patient’s physicians. During these last moments, there are medically available procedures to maintain the person in comfort so that there will be no suffering. These include pain management and procedures to reduce the effects of dehydration. Again, we mention the example of Pope John Paul, who by choosing not to go to the hospital, chose instead to allow his n
