There's no doubt awareness about this issue has spiked considerably in the past year. A January 2006 survey by the Pew Research Center suggests more Americans are discussing and planning for end of life treatment. In too many cases, however, knowing is not acting. We're still reluctant to talk about death. And too many bureaucratic barriers remain.
That's why we're seeing a concerted effort by some legislators and policymakers to make it easier for people to make known their end of life wishes. At the federal level, a measure has been filed to pay physicians for an end-of-life consult. At the state level, new laws have been proposed establishing a registry for living wills and advance directives. Both efforts represent an effort to simplify the process and make it easier for people to make their end-of-life wishes known.
Other legislative movement on this front, though, is prompting concern. Some of this activity may be a well-meaning attempt to protect the vulnerable and disabled, but some state legislators are promoting measures that would ultimately restrict one's right to have end-of-life wishes respected. Certainly, we must do all we can to address concerns of the vulnerable and disabled; however, we should be careful to protect the long established right to choose and refuse treatment.
In any case, the Schiavo case prompted many of us to become even more reluctant to have these issues hashed out in the legislative arena. Most of us still want end-of-life decisions to remain private, between families and medical professionals, not lawmakers and bureaucrats.
To accomplish this, we must have a conversation with those we love and trust. Preferences must be written down and a person named to speak on our behalf through a durable power of attorney for healthcare. This document should be notarized and other family members and close friends made aware of these decisions.
While this may sound simple, we all know these discussions are not easy. In the end, if Terri Schiavo taught us anything, it is that sometimes the toughest conversations are the most important to have. She also taught us that the absence of such a conversation can produce a devastating family and legal conflict.
No one wants such chaos at the end of our lives. So make your preferences known, and identify someone to speak on your behalf. Consider it the last gift you give to your family - peace of mind.
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