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A living will is a legal document that states your wishes for medical treatment if you become unable to communicate them yourself.
In Depth
This document allows you to make decisions about life-sustaining treatments, such as artificial respiration or feeding tubes, in advance. It ensures your healthcare preferences are respected, even if you are incapacitated. A living will helps guide medical professionals and family members during difficult times, preventing disputes and ensuring your end-of-life care aligns with your values. It is an important part of estate planning.
Example
By creating a living will, Sarah ensured that her family knew she did not want to be kept on life support if she were in a persistent vegetative state.