‘Comfort care’: A first lady’s gift

Re “Health failing, Barbara Bush will stop medical treatment”:

Monday was National Healthcare Decisions Day, a good idea to understand that comfort care is medical treatment. Comfort care is an intensive, specialized form of person-centered care practiced by expert palliative-care teams. It is not the absence of medical care.

Mrs. Bush made her wishes for care clear, and she shared them with her family and medical team. She has given a gift to her family by telling them what she wants and allowing them to honor her wishes.

Steve Byrne, Seattle