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Document Details : Title: Caring for a Dignified End of Life in a Christian Health-Care Institution Subtitle: The View of Caritas Catholica Vlaanderen Author(s): GASTMANS, Chris Journal: Ethical Perspectives Volume: 9 Issue: 2-3 Date: 2002 Pages: 134-145 DOI: 10.2143/EP.9.2.503852 Abstract : Immediately following the approval of the Belgian law on euthanasia (May 16, 2002), Caritas Catholica Vlaanderen sent a position paper to all affiliated institutions in which its standpoint regarding care for a dignified end of life is clarified. We would like to sketch very briefly the context in which this position paper should be placed, before reproducing the complete text of the recommendation. Caritas Catholica Vlaanderen (founded in 1932 at the behest of the Belgian bishops) is an umbrella organization for cooperation and consultation between the Verbond der Verzorgingsinstellingen [Association of Care Institutions], grouping health-care institutions and services, and the Vlaams Welzijnsverbond [Flemish Association for Public Welfare], grouping welfare institutions and services. The Verbond der Verzorgingsinstellingen is responsible for 52 general hospitals, 94 mental-health institutions and 326 geriatric-care institutions. The Vlaams Welzijnsverbond groups 397 facilities for handicapped persons and 344 facilities for public welfare (youth assistance, family support, child care and volunteer organizations). |
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