>>Masterly Inactivity... lately there seems to be more willingness to discuss it, even if it's ultimately being drive by the bean counters

The problem is that when it's mum in the bed, families see a determined demand for heroic care as a demonstration of their love and care for the person. When there is argument about turning off life support, rarely are the doctors the ones wanting to keep it on. And because their primary role is patient advocate, it takes a real toll on most physicians to stand up to the grieving family. Society needs to take a role here so that it's honorable not to demand everything is done for mom. Easy to say when it's not our mom in the bed- which is why it needs to be society, not Johnny Physician on The Spot.