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The Hawaii Catholic Conference urges everyone to have a health care directive, especially during these difficult and uncertain times. Both Catholic and non-denominational Christian directives are available for download.
POLST (an acronym for “Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment”) is a new kind of advanced medical decision-making document ostensibly designed to improve communication and decision-making, especially at the end of life. POLST is spreading rapidly across the United States as a result of a concerted campaign. Here are some resources to help you prepare a POLST form.
Here are four clear reasons why having an advanced directive is important:
Affirm Your Faith in Medical Decisions
An advanced directive allows you to clearly state that your medical care should always uphold Catholic teaching on the dignity of life, avoiding procedures that contradict Church teaching (e.g., euthanasia or assisted suicide).
Protect Your Family from Difficult Choices
By documenting your wishes in advance, you relieve loved ones of the burden of making painful medical decisions during times of crisis, ensuring peace of mind and unity.
Ensure Ethical and Compassionate Care
An advanced directive helps guarantee that you receive care consistent with Catholic moral principles—providing ordinary and proportionate treatments, while not obligating extraordinary or burdensome measures.
Witness to the Value of Life
Having an advanced directive is a testimony of faith, showing others that you trust in God’s providence while affirming the sanctity of life at every stage, even in suffering.
As always, please contact the Hawaii Catholic Conference with any questions.