RT Journal
A1 Sheehan MN
T1 Artificial nutrition and hydration and the permanently unconscious patient: The catholic debate
JF JAMA
JO JAMA
YR 2008
FD April 2
VO 299
IS 13
SP 1610
OP 1611
DO 10.1001/jama.299.13.1610
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jama.299.13.1610
AB 
Although it took a little time for the media to pick up on this papal message, it soon became the subject of controversy and heated discussion. Much of the controversy and discussion was remarkably void of grounding in what the Holy Father actually said, the context of his statement, the place of this papal message seen in the light of authoritative Church teaching, and consideration of how papal documents are read and received. Rather, it seemed that the media and competing interests regarding the teaching pushed a very strange mix of interpretations. Some announced that the Pope had declared that all persons with swallowing difficulties required a feeding tube. Others hinted darkly that advance directives would not be honored at Catholic hospitals. A year later, Terri Schiavo died in Florida after having her feeding tube disconnected. Church teaching, public controversy, and the consideration of the role of medically assisted feeding and hydration again took center stage.