Barry, you pose an interesting question. I believe that end of life decisions should be made primarily between an individual and that individual's family and trusted advisors, including spiritual counselors. An individual should certainly be able to consult his physician, if the individual so chooses. I would imagine that most health care plans would cover an annual physical exam during which a person could consult with his physician.
I do think it is inappropriate for the government to give physicians an incentive to initiate this conversation and mandate what should be covered in the counseling. That could all too easily lead to a scenario where the federal government makes care decisions based on life expectancy.
And, now from the category... if at first you don't succeed, try, try again. That's exactly what Michael Newdow, an atheist, and his fellow plaintiffs are doing - this time in a federal appeals court - this time appealing a lower court decision that dismissed their lawsuit challenging prayers offered at the presidential inauguration - including the phrase used in the oath, "So help me God."

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