Washington, DC–-(ENEWSPF)–April 16, 2015. Today, on National Healthcare Decisions Day, Representative Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) underscored the importance of advance health care planning to American families. Representative Blumenauer has long advocated for policies that empower patients to make informed decisions about their health care throughout their lives.
Representative Blumenauer released the following statement.
“Our current health care system is on autopilot, oftentimes defaulting to the most painful, intrusive, and expensive care regardless of the wishes of families. We are all aware of horrific examples of people receiving care they don’t want – care that doesn’t just deteriorate their quality of life, but also shortens their life. There are countless stories of families who struggle with these issues when it’s too late. We must give people control over their decisions and empower patients to work with their doctors to make informed choices about the health care they want.
“The ability to make one’s own plans for the end-of-life ought to be seen as a fundamental human right. National Healthcare Decisions Day should be a starting place for us to have an honest national dialogue about how best to facilitate earlier and more meaningful discussions about end-of-life preferences among individuals, families, and clinicians.
“All individuals should have the opportunity to participate actively in their health care decision making throughout their lives and as they approach death, and to receive medical and related social services consistent with their values, goals, and informed preferences.”
Source: blumenauer.house.gov
