In the context of the current discussion, the title of this essay might appear either appropriate or highly inappropriate, depending on your view of the articles preceding this one. Since there may be some who read this who do not know the meaning of the term "L'Chaim," it is both a toast and a lovely summary of Judaica that means, "to life!"
I wish to express my fervent and passionate commitment to life and to whatever I must do to protect and prolong it. As a physician I have always considered this my ethical and moral obligation in all situations. When the case before me is one of metastatic cancer or of end-stage chronic pulmonary failure, I feel uncomfortable with my commitment, but I still must act to preserve life. I have always assumed that my judgment is fallible, very fallible, and if this is true in ordinary situations, then