A survey of the medical, ethical and legal issues that surround this controversial topic.

Although many do not seem to recognize it, the half‐millenium‐old tradition of Catholic teachings on providing care at the end of life offers a nuanced, carefully balanced doctrine, centering on a finely tuned distinction between ordinary and extraordinary care. Given the significant Catholic contribution to the contemporary pluralist debate about end of life care, getting clear on that tradition is important.

Theologians are often criticized for having little distinctive or important to say on bioethical issues. Such a critique overlooks, however, the protective dispositive, and directive ways in which faith can inform reason.