The World

Health Care Hot Button: ‘Death Panels’ vs. Doctor Consultations

In regards to the controversial end-of-life provisions in President Obama’s health care plan, The Takeaway speaks with Laurel Coleman, a geriatrician and palliative care specialist, and Amity Shlaes, a fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations.

Conflict & Justice

Critics of President Obama’s health care reform say his plan would create so-called “death panels” to decide which Americans live or die. Supporters say the legislation merely ensures that Medicare will cover consultations with a doctor about end-of-life-issues. We speak with Dr. Laurel Coleman, a geriatrician and palliative care specialist, about helping patients make tough end-of-life decisions. Amity Shlaes, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, talks to us about the hypocrisy of both the Democrats and Republicans when it comes to talking about health care.

Health Care Hot Button: 'Death Panels' vs. Doctor Consultations - The World from PRX