Article Highlights Surveys suggest that a vast majority of people would like to discuss their end-of-life care (EOL) choices, but very few actually do so. Physicians often receive insufficient training in effective EOL communication. Health care providers cite a lack of confidence in broaching the subject with patients and/or caregivers. EOL communication needs to be [...]

Remarkable advances in medical care are helping us live longer. But that means there also are an increasing number of people living with advancing serious illness. The vast majority understand they are living with a terminal condition, yet they and their families are unprepared for the final stages of life. Relatively few have had discussions with their physicians [...]

Last month, Minna Buck revised a document specifying her wishes should she become critically ill. “No intubation,” she wrote in large letters on the form, making sure to include the date and her initials. Buck, 91, had been following the news about covid-19. She knew her chances of surviving a serious bout of the illness [...]

An ardent early supporter and member of Compassion & Choices’ African American Leadership Council, Dr. Silva was instrumental in our campaign to pass D.C.’s Death with Dignity Act. by Sonja Aliesch May 20, 2020 Our movement lost a beloved ally last month with the death of Omega Silva, M.D. A retired Washington, D.C., physician who [...]

The policy could result in some people receiving unwanted medical treatment while others are denied the care they want and need. by Alyson Lynch May 20, 2020 A key provision of the 1990 Patient Self-Determination Act requires hospitals and other healthcare facilities to inform people about policies regarding their legal right to fill out an [...]

A Note From the CEO by Kim Callinan May 20, 2020 "We spend precious hours fearing the inevitable. It would be wise to use that time adoring our families, cherishing our friends and living our lives.” —Maya Angelou, poet Ms. Angelou’s philosophy is a timely reminder to us during this challenging pandemic, and one that [...]

While I had anticipated the stay-at-home orders would slow down the pace of our lives, that has not been the case for the Compassion & Choices team. The fast pace of the COVID-19 pandemic, constant rush of news and information, and increased prominence of our mission has resulted in a need for us to move [...]

“I have heart disease, and I am scared. For years, doctor’s visits and medication have kept me alive. However, now I am afraid if I go to the doctor, I will catch coronavirus and die. If I don’t go, my heart disease could kill me.” I have had similar conversations with seriously ill Americans nationwide [...]

Viewpoint: COVID-19 crisis demonstrates urgent need for end-of-life planning by Kim Callinan   Thousands of Americans have died from coronavirus, with countless heartbreaking stories. Many families have been separated from a loved one who dies alone in a hospital bed. Health systems are making unfathomable decisions about rationing the limited supply of ventilators. Families are [...]