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Donald F. Phillips

JAMA. 2000;284:2442-2444.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

Death and taxes are two of life's certainties that affect everyone. Societies develop codes to gain some control over taxes, but controls over the way people die have been slow in coming—until now, that is, because there are signs that this is changing rapidly throughout the United States.

Nationally, one prominent sign is a burgeoning number of newly created organizations dedicated to end-of-life care issues. During the past 3 years or so, the number of such national organizations has risen from three to 20. The Internet teems with new Web sites, chat rooms, and e-groups that carry discussions, announcements, and resources concerning all interests in end-of-life issues.

Regionally, end-of-life care coalitions are coming into being throughout the country. Many were established prior to and in anticipation of the Public Broadcasting Service series by Bill Moyers, "On Our Own Terms," which aired in mid September. Public Affairs Television . . . [Full Text of this Article]