Barbara Bush’s decision to stop aggressive treatment for lung and heart disease at 92 is a valiant one. Her condition has worsened over the past year, leading to a recent series of hospitalizations. Now she is facing death with fortitude, courage and realism. She should inspire everyone in the medical arena, doctors and patients alike.

Palliative care is often unpopular, especially with diseases not commonly thought of as terminal. I was resistant to the concept the first time I saw a palliative-care team approach someone...