Like most of you, I've been following the health care policy debates for quite a while now. I have my own opinion about our health care system, but that's not what I want to write about. What has me most upset lately is the lies that are being spread by people who are in a position to know better, and specifically the lie that Obama's proposal would create "death panels." There was a story in the newspaper today that a majority of the population now actually believe this is true.
It is so important to talk with your doctor and your family about what kind of treatment, if any, you want at the end of life. I know this from personal experience. Several years ago my father found out he had metastatic prostate cancer, and very shortly thereafter he had a small stroke. He had always been very clear about what he wanted in the event that he became incapacitated, and everyone in my family knew. He had advance directives, and I had durable power of attorney. As his illness progressed and his memory worsened, it was often a challenge to take care of him--but I never had to worry about not knowing what his wishes were, nor did his doctor. And that was both a tremendous help and a consolation.
It looks as if the part of the legislation that would have allowed people to discuss these very important issues with their doctors--and insured that the doctors would be reimbursed--has been removed to appease those who believe the lies. But that does't mean it's not still important for each of us to make end of life decisions ourselves, and to make sure that our families and our physicians know what we want. And here is where the library comes in--we've got some excellent resources to help you decide what's right for you. Jane Brody's Guide to the the Great Beyond is a new book of this very topic. Sidney H. Wanzer's To Die Well is another guide to end of life decisions. We've also got books on living wills and access to magazine articles that can help clarify what's fact and what's fiction in this huge debate. We've likely got a long and contentious discussion ahead of us on health care--let the library help you sort it out.
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