The USCCB’s Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services (ERDs) are the authoritative directives given to Catholic hospitals and healthcare services around the United States.
Key Highlights from the 7th Edition:
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Sanctity of Life: Absolute prohibitions on abortion, euthanasia, and assisted suicide.
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Reproductive Interventions: Prohibitions on direct sterilization, contraception, and most reproductive technologies like in vitro fertilization (IVF) and surrogate parenting.
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Gender-Affirming Care: Prohibitions on surgical, hormonal, or genetic interventions that aim to alter the fundamental order of the body to conform to gender dysphoria.
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Care for the Dying: Requires patients to receive proportionate and ordinary means of preserving life. Medically administered nutrition and hydration must be provided unless they become excessively burdensome or provide no comfort.