Does a DNR order conflict with Catholic teaching?
Not in itself. The Ethical and Religious Directives deal with this in a footnote. It sits under the directive on proportionate and disproportionate means.
The footnote says a patient, or their surrogate, "may request a Do Not Attempt Resuscitation order (DNAR)." The condition is that they decide, "in close consultation with the health care team," that attempts to resuscitate "would not offer a reasonable hope of benefit or entail excessive burden."
The same footnote adds the point families most need to hear. A DNAR order "does not mean that ongoing care should cease." On the contrary, it says, "ordinary/proportionate care should continue."
So a DNR is not a choice to stop being cared for. Symptom control, nursing, comfort measures, and everything else go on just as before.
What the teaching does not allow is acting with the aim of causing death. The line drawn throughout is about intention, not outcome.
Whether resuscitation would be likely to help you is a medical question. It depends on your diagnosis and your overall condition. Ask your oncology team what they would realistically expect. Ask for a chaplain or an ethics consultation too, if that would help you think it through.
Sources
Want the full picture? Read our complete explanation: Catholic Teaching on Stopping Cancer Treatment
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