Should a 97-year-old man undergo an expensive, dangerous open-heart operation to repair a lethal tear in a main artery of his heart? A Pennsylvania news article this week asked the question. (If interested: Click link for referenced article: For America's aged, surgery at any price? )
The question begs for consideration of the "value" of life. Physicians are reminded of the Hippocratic Oath, which is founded on moral code and respect for human life. What about quality versus quantity of life? Where is the line that society crosses in playing God? Given the advanced medical technologies of 2009, the medical profession provides us all many choices and options in health treatments, both from a user/patient perspective and from a professional/physician perspective.
I can't help but consider the dilemmas of our times: the U.S. economy in 2009, the ensuing politicking about national health care, the issues of our aging Baby Boomers (and the generations following) and the wonderment and concern of social security benefits' future as a viable source of help to people. Given all the technological advancements and capabilities to extend life, when does it become imprudent to do so?
In our business, we tend to see (although not always) the sickest of the sick and oftentimes those who are elderly receive open heart surgery. Asking the hard ethical questions is important.
My memory brings back to me a quote I heard which may incite some readers:
I hate the men who would prolong their lives
By foods and drinks and charms of magic art
Perverting nature's course to keep off death
They ought, when they no longer serve the land
To quit this life, and clear the way for youth.
-Euripides 500 B.C.
By foods and drinks and charms of magic art
Perverting nature's course to keep off death
They ought, when they no longer serve the land
To quit this life, and clear the way for youth.
-Euripides 500 B.C.
The above quote is ages old, but it's a way of thinking a large population espouses. Dan Callahan, PhD an ethicist and founder of the The Hastings Center , published books on this topic 20 years ago and blogs about it. He's 78 years old now, which is interesting in that he still stands behind his comment that that health care should be rationed for the elderly as a way to keep Medicare solvent. Further, he once stated 20 years ago that the age of 80 should be a cutoff point for the most expensive technologies (e.g. open-heart surgery), even if they might be life-saving.
I'd be interested to hear your reaction to these thoughts. Comments Welcomed.
Sincerely,
Ralph E. Jordan
CEO & President
Trident Health Resources, Inc.
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