Living Wills

1. Introduction to Living Wills

Today, life support systems can keep an individual’s body alive for years, even if the brain is no longer functioning or the person is in constant pain.

As competent adults, we have a constitutional right to make advance decisions as to whether or not we would like to decline life support when it is clear that death is imminent or a state of coma or vegetation becomes permanent.

A living will is a document which states whether or not you want to be kept on life support if you become terminally ill or are in a persistent vegetative state. In addition, it addresses other important issues such as tube feeding, artificial hydration and pain medication. A living will is only effective if you are unable to communicate your desires on your own.

Just as importantly, a living will can indicate your desire to remain on life support. Whatever your decision, as the Terri Schiavo case has shown, the key is to put your wishes in writing. If you would like to create a legal and binding living will online, Xirxi Business can help.