"The disturbing actions by some in government and protest groups inappropriately involving themselves in the recent tragic saga of Terri Schiavo and her family should serve as a lesson for us all to take the time to think carefully about our own wishes,” said State Senator Liz Krueger (D-Manhattan) Krueger urged her constituents to ensure that their health care wishes are respected by filling out a health care proxy and/or a living will.

“None of us wants to imagine the worst happening to ourselves or our loved ones. The Schiavo case is but the latest example of why it is so critical that we formalize our wishes in written format and make sure that our family members know what decisions we would have made for ourselves had we been able.  No one should ever have to be put through a media-circus-battle when trying to make decisions in the best interests of a terminally ill family member,” stated Krueger.

She explained that using a health care proxy gives the person you choose as your agent the legal authority to make all health care decisions for you, in the event that you are unable to communicate those decisions yourself. A living will is a legal document that sets forth your specific wishes and directions regarding medical treatment.  Both documents have allow for special instructions, and must be signed by two witnesses who are at least 18 years of age.

She also indicated that while it may be hard to think about end of life decisions, those who are knowledgeable benefit themselves and their families.  Specifically, the senator encouraged constituents to become informed about hospice and palliative care. A central focus of hospice and palliative care is the belief that each of us has the right to die pain-free and with dignity. Hospice programs focus on caring, not curing, and, in most cases, care is provided in the patient's home. Palliative care on the other hand, extends the principles of hospice care to a broader population that could benefit from receiving this type of care earlier in their illness or disease process. Palliative care, ideally, would segue into hospice care as the illness progresses.  “Hospice and palliative care share the philosophy of care that accepts dying as a natural part of life,” said Sen. Krueger. “New Yorkers should at the very least be aware of their options.”

“If any good can come out of this tragedy that drew the attention of the nation, it is that we can make our wishes about the end of our lives clear and known, and avoid the legal battles that destroy the bonds of families,” Krueger said.

For more information, or to obtain a copy of a living will or a health care proxy recognized under New York State law, interested individuals may call Senator Krueger’s office at (212) 490-9535.

© 2005 North Country Gazette