Question

Distinguish between ordinary means (proportionate) and extraordinary (disproportionate) means of medical treatment. Which are morally obligatory? Why? What does Pope John Paul II's encyclical, Evangelium Vitae say about this?

Answer 1

Ordinary measures are those that are based on medication or treatment which is directly available and can be applied without incurring severe pain, costs or other inconveniences but which give the patient in question justified hope for a commensurate improvement in his health.

Extraordinary treatment is defined as any medical procedure or measure which ,when administered to a terminally ill patient , will only prolong the process of dying when death is imminent , but excludes palliative care.

Ordinary care is obligatory , but can become extraordinary careunder certain situations. Extraordinary care is care whose provision involves a disproportionately great burden on the patient or community. Hence it is not morally obligatory. Pope john paul II's pointed out that life, health and earthly actions are allocated ,and thus subordinate, to spiritual purposes. Death is seen as an integral element of life,since according to christian beliefs death is not the end,but the transition to new life.