We stand at a cultural crossroads, the intersection of the Culture of Life and the Culture of Death. At this critical juncture, the choices we make matter, now and forever. Therefore, the members of Life is Worth Living, a lay apostolate, have chosen to promote the Culture of Life.
Our mission is to strive to affirm -- in thought, word, and deed -- the infinite preciousness of human life; to encourage service to others rather than radical self-interest; and to promote a climate of public opinion that recognizes the right of all human beings to life, respect, compassionate care, appropriate medical treatment, and equality under the law.
Medical Card: Life Support Directions
posted by Julie Grimstad
Monday, July 7, 2008
Dr. Paul Byrne has prepared four versions of a medical card -- one for Catholics, one for non-Catholics, one for Jews and one for Agnostics. They can be printed on business cards, signed and witnessed, then laminated for durability.
For Roman Catholics:
Life Support Directions. Carry this card with you at all times.
At admission to hospital contact a Roman Catholic priest (see reverse side). I wish to live the life span given to me by God. I direct my treatments and care, including nutrition and hydration, however administered, be given to protect and preserve my life. Do not hasten my death. Do not do an apnea test. Do not take any vital organ for transplantation or any other purpose.
_______________________________________________________________
Signature and Date
_____________________________ _________________________________
Witness and Date Witness and Date
(Reverse Side)
Please contact a Roman Catholic priest if I am unconscious, seriously ill, injured, or unable to communicate. Preferred contact:
My pastor:_________________________
Phone:_________________________
or a Catholic Priest from the local parish.
My signature:_______________________
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Life Support Directions. Carry this card with you at all times.
At admission to hospital contact a minister (see reverse side). I wish to live the life span given to me by God. I direct my treatments and care, including nutrition and hydration, however administered, be given to protect and preserve my life. Do not hasten my death. Do not do an apnea test. Do not take any vital organ for transplantation or any other purpose.
______________________________________________________________
Signature and Date
____________________________ __________________________________
Witness and Date Witness and Date
(Reverse Side)
Please contact a minister if I am unconscious, seriously ill, injured, or unable to communicate. Preferred contact:
My minister: ____________________
Phone: _____________________
or a local minister.
My signature:_______________________
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
For Jews:
Life Support Directions. Carry this card with you at all times.
At admission to hospital contact a Rabbi (see reverse side). I wish to live the life span given to me by God. I direct my treatments and care, including nutrition and hydration, however administered, be given to protect and preserve my life. Do not hasten my death. Do not do an apnea test. Do not take any vital organ for transplantation or any other purpose.
_______________________________________________________________
Signature and Date
_____________________________ _________________________________
Witness and Date Witness and Date
(Reverse Side)
Please contact a Rabbi if I am unconscious, seriously ill, injured, or unable to communicate. Preferred contact:
My Rabbi:_________________________
Phone:_________________________
or a Rabbi from the local Synagogue.
My signature:_______________________
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
For Agnostics:
Life Support Directions. Carry this card with you at all times.
At admission to hospital, contact ________________________. I wish to live the life span given to me. I direct my treatments and care, including nutrition and hydration, however administered, be given to protect and preserve my life. Do not hasten my death. Do not take any vital organ for transplantation or any other purpose.
_______________________________________________________________
Signature and Date
_____________________________ _________________________________
Witness and Date Witness and Date
(Reverse Side)
Please contact ____________________ if I am unconscious, seriously ill, injured, or unable to communicate. Preferred contact:
my _______, _____________________
Phone:_________________________
or my _______ , _____________________.
My signature:_______________________
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