This case tragically mirrors that of Terri Schiavo, who died after her feeding tubes were removed in 2005. Recently Terri’s brother, Bobby Schindler, wrote an editorial in the Washington Post comparing Lauren’s case with that of Terri. He brought to light how common it is in the United States to allow a loved one in a state such as Terri or Lauren’s to die, often by removing feeding tubes.

Nutrition and hydration are never extra-ordinary means of sustaining life; everyone needs nourishment to sustain life! Although criticized in the media, Catholics are bound to respect the basic needs of all human beings. May we always “err” on the side of life, and not fall into the culture of false compassion!

There are resources available to make health care decisions that best respect the dignity of human life.

The National Catholic Bioethics Center (www.ncbcenter.org) is the best resource for end of life issues, including literature online, and an ethics hotline staffed by professional ethicists who can help walk you through difficult situations regarding loved ones.

The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith restated the Church’s position last fall with the document Commentary on Nutrition and Hydration. www.usccb.org/prolife/iissues/euthanas/index.shtml

Learn more about Lauren Marie Richardson at www.lifeforlauren.org.

The Will to Live Project of the National Right to Life Committee provides a template living will at http://www.nrlc.org/euthanasia/willtolive/index.html.