ABSTRACT

Prior to the nineteenth century, medicine had no scientific basis. It was based on folk and religious beliefs and emphasized the balance among bodily humors or other time-honored theories. For the most part, though, the medical care that was available was inexpensive, largely because it was ineffective. This chapter deals with difficult issues that families must face when a family member needs expensive or invasive medical care and the outcome or the patient's quality of life after treatment is uncertain. It also summarizes arguments related to how one's age should affect decisions concerning treatment. The chapter focuses heavily on the care received by aging. It discusses that reproductive technology legislation and the law can lag far behind technical advances. In traditional societies the contract of marriage defined general spousal rights and responsibilities. It is probably a good idea for everyone to specify someone as his or her medical power of attorney.