End of life discussions are very hard to have. Unless someone has had the forethought to put together a will, living will, healthcare power of attorney and has expressly ensured that there wishes are known, medical professionals will do everything they can to prolong a life. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but it may not always be in keeping with the wishes of the patient.
There have been some high profile right to die cases. I am sure many of us can name more than one. Many of the people who are leading the charge against the end of life provisions are the same people who fought against the right to die. Of course many are just fear mongers against any kind of health care reform. They are using the fear tactics saying that it will be the government making the decision rather then the patient.
In fact, the legislation shows different. The bill in the house provides for end of life planning discussions between a patient and a doctor at periodic intervals. Opposition to this legislation is largely anti right to die. Keep someone alive as long as possible regardless unless they have expressly indicated otherwise. This will inevitably lead to more lawsuits seeking right to die or right to stay alive.
What I want to scare people into is ensuring your wishes are known. Legislation or not, people need to have these conversations with their family and those designated to make decisions in case of incapacitation. Have a signed, witness will, get a health care power of attorney, write a letter specifically indicating your wishes should you become incapacitated.
Having these provisions in place will help ensure your wishes are done. If you want to be kept alive and have heroic procedures done, make sure everyone knows. There are many variations you need to consider.
What do you want if you go into a prolonged coma? Vegetative state? Have an accident with severe brain damage? Become incapacitated as a result of Alzheimer or other brain illness? These are just a few of the things you should think through.