News of the Day: 'Death Panel" Sideshow

The Washington Post debunked one of the leading myths being peddled by health reform opponents this morning. They took on the misleading claims about end-of-life discussions being forced euthanasia.

Washington Post says:

THE DEBATE over health reform has veered into a peripheral and misleading discussion of whether it includes a scheme to pressure senior citizens into pulling the plug. The most extreme misrepresentation has "death panels," as former Alaska governor Sarah Palin colorfully put it, deciding who is too old or too disabled to merit treatment. This is a distorted interpretation, to say the least. The debate threatens sensible policy on end-of-life discussions and in the separate realm of reforming the health-care system.

 

First: It makes sense for everyone to think about end-of-life issues, and the earlier in life the better. If you want every last heroic measure to be tried to extend your life, you can say so. If you have a different vision, you can spell that out. You will be doing your relatives and yourself a favor if you express yourself while you are still healthy. You can always change your mind.

The Washington Post goes on to discuss the need for end-of-life planning and the cost saving benefits of it. Learn more about the misinformation campaign against the America’s Health Choices Act.