2A dramatic increase over the past twenty years in the use of extraordinary means of support such as artificial respirators for terminal patients is generally assumed by physicians, on the basis of observational and anecdotal evidence, but no quantitative studies of this phenomenon have been done. Telephone interview with Dr. Claude L'Enfant, Director, Division of Lung Diseases, National Heart and Lung Institute, Be-thesda, Md., Oct. 16, 1972. For this reason it is not possible to offer any detailed estimate of the impact that the proposed statute, see text accompanying note 86 infra, would have on the resources allocated to patient care.