OK to Die
30 June 2012
The names of things often greatly affect our perception. In End-Of-Life lexicon, there is a movement underway to change the name of the medical order DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) to AND (Allow Natural Death). No change in the medical reality of what occurs, but a radical change in our emotional reaction to the each term:
from “DNR”– “they withholding a medical intervention” (evoking negative feelings)
to “AND”– “they are giving care that allows death to occur naturally.”
I certainly feel more comforted and assured by the latter, positive wording, although both phrases constitute the same medical pathway.
Read the full article at OK to Die
