Baptizing dying infants not always required

St. Augustine taught that infants who died unbaptized suffered the pains of hell, although in ameliorated form. Medieval theologians developed the notion of limbo to mitigate Augustine's teaching, and ideas about limbo have become progressively milder throughout Church history. Contemporary scholars are increasingly questioning the theory. Yet the sense of urgency regarding baptism that was first occasioned by Augustine's doctrine persists today. The sacrament of baptism can best be understood as intended more for the Christian community than for the individual's salvation. It binds the community to demonstrate a faith so alive and dynamic that the child may eventually find fulfillment in it. As for the individual, the Church teaches that persons are fully incorporated into the beatific vision by means other than the sacrament of baptism. Some form of baptism is required, but it may be either sacramental baptism or the baptism of desire. Many theologians have taught that the parents' desire or the Church's faith can provide for the faith of the child that has died unbaptized. Papal teaching, canon law, and contemporary theology combine to obviate the need for Catholic health facilities to baptize dying infants without the consent of the parents. If such a policy is maintained, it should be clearly communicated to parents when they accept the hospital's services. In any event, the mentality of dire urgency that characterized previous generations should be avoided at all costs.