Pope Declares the Obvious: Feeding Tube Removal Immoral

You'd be surprised the number of "good Catholics" who assume that a feeding tube is an "extraordinary means" of preserving life. Apparently they never get past the fact that a feeding tube is used for (brace yourselves!) feeding! It is not some artificial means for keeping Grandma's liver or kidneys or cardiovascular system humming along.

The confusion is compounded by referring to the patient as being in a "persistent vegetative state." This refers to the condition, not to the essential nature of the person. A person remains a person, and does not turn into a "vegetable," any more than an orange becomes an apple when it's painted red. You don't need a masters in theology to do the math on this one, folks.

Soooo... (stop me if I'm going too fast here), removing a feeding tube is NOT "pulling the plug." It is "starving to death."

Any questions?