End of Life Issues

By Grizz Dragonzhawk

The one year anniversary of Terri Schiavo's death has just passed and the debate over end of life issues, especially the right to die, continues. No matter where in the spectrum of the debate each one of us individually or collectively falls on, the right to die with dignity is a hot button issue. What happened around Terri Schiavo and countless others like her should never have happened. Terri and others like her should be allowed to have their wishes carried out.

This is why making decisions about how we are taken care of in case of terminal illness or a persistent vegetative state should be dealt with while we still can decide these things. But what has been learned from Terri's case and others like hers? Many people have learned to make their wishes known in advance and many others have begun to have living wills made out. The Pew Research Center for the People and the Press did a survey last November that found that the number of people with a living will had increased from 12% in 1990 to 29% by survey time. Although this is a huge increase in people with living wills, it is not enough. The survey also found that 70% of Americans thought that there were circumstances that people should be allowed to die, while 22% thought that doctors and other medical personnel should do everything possible to keep their loved ones alive. What are our options for end of life decisions?

There are several options that can help in making our plans known to our loved ones. These options can be filled out when entering the hospital (or skilled nursing facility). The first option is living wills. Living wills describe what you want done in case you become incapacitated in some way that does not allow you to state what your preferences are. The second option is having a health care power of attorney. The power of attorney or POA is a trusted person who can make medical decisions for you. Copies of these documents need to be given to your doctor, spiritual leader, your POA, and a copy and original should be left in a safe location that can be easily accessed by your POA/family. Where does one go to fill out these documents? One option which can be a little costly, is consulting a lawyer who can help you fill out the necessary forms. Another option is visiting the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization's website ( www.caringinfo.com ). The website provides the forms necessary for living wills and durable health care power of attorney that are in accordance to each states' laws. It is advisable to visit the site for more information and to download the forms. The most important thing to do is to discuss your last wishes with those you love.

But where does the Pagan community sit on this issue? It is not really known and it is something that we, as a community, need to discuss. What do end of life issues mean for us and what do we want done? These are questions that we need to not only discuss with our loved ones, but with the community as well. My only hope is that cases like Terri Schiavo's become a rarity instead of the common theme.

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