4 Questions to ask before making a living will
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Do you want a living will?
A living will states your wishes to have medical treatment withheld if you are suffering from a condition where you cannot, e.g. a comatose state.
If you DON’T have a living will, the law provides that other individuals may make medical decisions regarding life-sustaining procedures for you.
Do you wish for doctors to artificially prolong your life?
A living will declaration kicks in when the condition is irreversible or there is no reasonable chance of recovery.
You can choose to refuse procedures that artificially prolong your life, making the choice yourself and not by the law or by loved ones when they are grieving.
With methods do you wish to be administered, if any?
Life sustaining procedures (LSP) are interventions (such as respirator, kidney dialysis, CPR) which can postpone death but do not provide a cure.
In your living will form you can choose whether or not you want for food and water to be withheld or provided.
Who is your in case of emergency person?
Once you fill out your form, make sure to tell a loved one.
You can submit it to your physician and/or register your living will with the secretary of state. Then, medical providers will check the registry in the event a living will becomes necessary and you are unable to communicate yourself.