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Show Riqht To Die A new book by a respected brain surgeon keeps the "right to die" issue before the public. Dr. Milton Heifetz of Los Angeles argues in his book that when family and , patient realize a hopeless situation si-tuation exists and all possible has been done and there's still no chance of survival, they should not be forced, either by society standards or law, , to prolong life as long as it can be artifically prolonged by medical science. HEIFETZ POINTS to the needless suffering, the tremendous expense, which often a family cannot afford, to the desire, often, of the hopelessly ill, to be allowed to die. And he stresses that our society tends to force all to continue needless suffering to the end, regardless of all other considerations. He says those who believe in martyrdom, those who think suffering cleanses the soul, etc., and those who think artificial life should be continued con-tinued as long as possible regardless of the wishes and rights of the patient and family involved, will not agree with him. BUT, AFTER years of being be-ing exposed to the problem, Heifetz says people should have rights in dying, as well as in living. If they prepare a written directive, such as a will, and if the family is aware of this and in agreement, then be believes the treating physician should not feel obligated to prolong hopeless life under any and all conditions ad infinitum. And he argues that a doctor must sometimes make this decision when he knows the patient's wishes, and realizes the family cannot utter the words, because psychologically it is too devastating to them. |