Easing the Passage: A Guide for Prearranging and Ensuring a Pain Free and Tranquil Death Via a Living Will, Personal Medical Mandate, and Other Medic

Tells how to avoid unwanted life-prolonging measures in case of terminal illness

Planning for one's impending death may seem like doing the undoable; so may giving instructions for one's care during a terminal illness. But these are eventualities we all must address, urge the authors of this sensitive and well-written guide to issues most people avoid at all cost. While they cite a universal wish to die peacefully, physician Hersh and Outerbridge ( The Last Shepherds ) agree that it's necessary to examine the obstacles to a tranquil death--and then pose solutions. To that end, they provide sample Living Wills, explaining how these can change, as well as why and when they may not always be honored. They also provide readers with other options--e.g., medical mandates--and discuss what these will mean in terms of extending life, soothing pain and hastening death. To make their points all the more poignant, they detail several pertinent, present-day court decisions. Although following their advice may be only prudent, it's questionable whether any advice will guarantee the peaceful death they firmly envision.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.