Catholic Healthcare Professionals Gather to Discuss Palliative And End-of-Life Care

Annual Colloquium of the CCBI National Bioethics Forum brought together healthcare professionals and representatives from the medical field to explore the Catholic approach to palliative and end-of-life care. Held at St John’s National Academy of Health Sciences, the event focused on dignity, compassion, and the ethical principles that guide care for patients in critical and final stages of life.

Speakers highlighted key Church teachings, including Samaritanus bonus, and reflected on the ethical responsibilities involved in medical decision-making. Discussions addressed the challenges of providing proportionate treatment, the application of the principle of double effect, and the implications of India’s Supreme Court rulings on advance directives.

Participants shared real-world experiences from palliative care settings, drawing attention to systemic limitations in resource-constrained regions. Testimonies from relatives of patients further illuminated the emotional and human realities of end-of-life support.

The colloquium concluded with proposals to strengthen healthcare networks, expand palliative care services and training opportunities, and continue collaborative efforts involving the CCBI Bioethics Forum, CHAI and the CCBI Health Commission — ensuring ethical and compassionate care remains accessible to those in need.

By Catholic Connect Reporter