To die and let live : that is the question

Abstract

The reader will quickly notice that the title of this paper is a variation on a popular catchphrase with half a line from "Hamlet" tagged on. The subjects presented are the modern controversy about resuscitation, the moment of death and transplantation of human vital organs: nowadays a person may, after death, still render a great service to his fellow men on whom his viable organ/s could be grafted to improve their precarious health and to prolong their lives. The Catholic Church`s beliefs regarding resuscitation aspects, specifically those claimed by Pope Pius XII are further described and discussed. Additionally, the role of the physician is explained, as he or she should be the sole arbiter in deciding authoritatively whether the patient is alive or dead. Surely he or she could, and is expected to, enlist the aid of any chemical or electrical means available in reaching and confirming his decision.