In a Feb. 12 My Turn in the Monitor, Lisa Beaudoin argued that health policy should be driven by evidence-based research, not by how people feel. While that may be true, it does not mean that individuals should not have options nor that their preferences should be ignored.

In the case of end-of-life decisions, whose preferences should be given greater weight? Should it be the individual and family members, or highly trained policy analysts, none of whom would be familiar with the individual and the specific circumstances? Compassionate care doesn’t mean just knowing what is best for others. It also means consideration of an individual’s wishes.

Phil Funk

Concord