What Catholics need to know about end-of-life decisions

Living wills? Palliative care? Brain death? Cremation? Many of us know we need to think about these and other end-of-life questions for ourselves and our loved ones, but how many of us know where to look for guidance?

Dr. Stephen Doran, M.D. is uniquely positioned to help us think about these often uncomfortable topics. An experienced neurosurgeon, a bioethicist, and a Catholic deacon, Dr. Doran brings insights from modern medical practice as well as from the timeless wisdom of the Faith to the many complicated situations surrounding the end of life.

In this episode, host Andrew Petiprin speaks with Dr. Doran about Doran’s new book, “To Die Well: A Catholic Neurosurgeon’s Guide to the End of Life.” They cover many of the ethical decisions that often take Catholics by surprise when faced with terminal illness, as well as the even bigger questions of what a “good death” really looks like, and how our attitudes toward suffering can have a significant impact on how we face our final end.