Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services, 6th Edition
Digital Verbum Edition
Overview
The 6th Edition of the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services (ERDs), approved in June 2018 by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, provides official moral guidance for Catholic health care institutions in the U.S.
Rooted in Catholic theology and Church teaching, the Directives set ethical standards for administrators, clinical staff, policy makers, and pastoral care providers. They reaffirm the Church’s commitment to human dignity and the healing mission of Christ in a changing social and medical landscape.
The ERDs aim to ensure pastoral, ethical, and doctrinal integrity—especially in areas like reproductive health, end‑of‑life care, and institutional partnerships—with pastoral sensitivity and theological clarity.
- Offers a comprehensive ethical framework that guide Catholic-sponsored health care
- Clarifies moral norms on life-related medical issues and practices
- Provides specific norms to assess formal and material cooperation, ensuring Catholic institutions uphold their moral integrity while engaging with diverse partners.
- Preamble
- General Introduction
- The Social Responsibility of Catholic Health Care Services
- The Pastoral and Spiritual Responsibility of Catholic Health Care
- The Professional-Patient Relationship
- Issues in Care for the Beginning of Life
- Issues in Care for the Seriously Ill and Dying
- Collaborative Arrangements with Other Health Care Organizations and Providers
- Conclusion