The head of a Catholic order that runs homes for psychiatric patients welcomed the first prosecutions of Belgian doctors for an illegal act of euthanasia.

Britain's highest court has ruled that doctors can withdraw food and fluid from patients who are in a vegetative state or minimally conscious without seeking permission from judges.

An English bishop warned Catholics to be alert to the possible deliberate killings of seriously ill patients in state-funded hospitals.

The U.S. Bishops have praised the decision.

The father of terminally ill toddler Alfie Evans called for a truce in a divisive case that has pitted doctors and the British courts against Alfie's parents, Christian groups and Pope Francis. 

End-of-life disputes can be complicated and nuanced and require a sober understanding of the underlying medical technicalities and ethical concerns.