Death and Taxes By Dr. Evelyn Higgins

Should the government be involved in patients' end-of-life decision-making? Ask a person that question and you are assured a big gulp, then a pause, followed by a cocked head like that of a dog approach to answering the question. Tough as it is, it does need answering. After all, none of us wish a terminal illness with a painful death on ourselves. In jest, people have uttered perhaps an enemy but certainly not ourselves or a loved one. We have advanced our brains so far technologically, but have we advanced them morally or ethically? Is the real issue of euthanasia about the ultimate power of a government? Or is it that which is a decision for God and family? [more...]