From a Catholic perspective, some people who are terminally sedated never get the chance to make things right with God prior to passing from this mortal coil. And therefore fail to avail themselves of the Sacrament of Confession and Viaticum. And therefore may be dying outside of a state of Grace.
And that is far worse than the temporal sufferings they are enduring at the end of their life.
I am Catholic myself so I understand exactly how important this is. Believe me when I say, people have ample time to prepare before the actual dying process begins. Re read my comments, I am talking about family members who normally wouldn’t tell mama they loved her like they should, out of guilt, want to keep mama awake so they can tell mama how much they love her to clear a guilty conscious. Seen it all the time.
The natural dying process, that usually takes place in the home, and that I have had the privilege of experiencing, is a very spiritual, life changing experience. When you get the pts pain and restlessness under control, its amazing the things you get to witness. Almost always, they will start to talk about taking a trip. They will almost always talk to loved ones who are already deceased. A lot of times they’ll be talking to them with a big smile on their face. They’ll start to talk about going home. That one always amazes me. They never call it heaven. They always say home.
This is why sudden death is so awful. You don’t get the chance to go back over your life, make peace with God and your family and friends and make the transition from here to eternity. It’s a blessing to be a part of, even though it is also incredibly sad.
And If the pain is too great, or the delirium / dementia is so severe, the person can’t serve or worship.
My religious beliefs are different from yours. Your statement would nullify any conversation with a good Baptist or an atheist.
The medicine and compassion are for the patient. A godd reason for the doctor - or the hospice nurse - to discuss end of life religious wishes with the patient before hand.