Among the most pressing concerns facing us today are those related to the end of life. Technologies now exist to intervene in the last stages of human life in ways that were not previously possible. Using machines, drugs, surgical measures, and genetic manipulations, death and dying have become greatly altered in our society. Patients, families, health-care workers, and public policy makers are wrestling with a number of exceedingly difficult issues:

• How do the advances that have been made in medical technology and treatment affect the quality of life?
• How much control should individuals have in deciding on their own care and treatment and should physician-assisted suicide be an option?
• What is the appropriate role of government in deciding who is entitled to treatment in a resource-limited society?
• How can conflicts between individual preferences and social needs be resolved?

This Choices and Challenges forum held on March 24, 1994 examined the ethical, social, and public policy concerns associated with the difficult choices at the end of life. .

• By clicking on Moderator and Panelists, you will be introduced to the professionals and scholars who discussed this very important topic at Virginia Tech in March 1994.
  
  
• Video Excerpts will link you first to Interview Statements made by several community members of varying age, race, gender and ethnic background, on their views about what quality of life at the end of life means. Then, continue by watching the Main Session by viewing a series of questions posed by the moderator and audience members at the forum — and the reponses of the panelists.
  
  
• Want to participate in a discussion with other people who have viewed the materials and are energetically thinking about these issues? Click on Discussion Topics to link to a public bulletin board and additional resources on the topic, such as a Reading List and Related Websites.
  
  
• News will provide updated information about this topic.
  
  
• Materials and information developed for:
  
  
  • Humanities, Science & Technology Classrooms
  • Virginia Tech Alumni
  • Continuing Medical Education Credits
  • Your K-12 Classroom
    
    

  Click on these links or use the tabs at the top of this webpage to navigate our site.
  
  ** Quality of Life: At the End of Life Module Activities for HST classrooms **

• Have a question? Email the module designer. Please also send comments and suggestions.

Transcripts of all video segments are available.

Enjoy!

Choices and Challenges Project
Center for Interdisciplinary Studies
Virgina Tech, Mail Code: 0227
Blacksburg, Virginia 24061
Phone: 540 231-6476 Fax: 540 231-7013
Email: choices@vt.edu