Do Living Wills actually work?
A Living Will Declaration is a document by which you can specify your wishes regarding certain medical decisions. Living Will Declarations commonly address end-of-life issues, like life-prolonging measures. Perhaps the most significant thing that a Living Will Declaration does is inform your health care representatives B those making decisions for you if you cannot B what your wishes are. In that sense, Living Wills do work. Some people are concerned that doctors and other medical providers will not abide by the Living Will Declaration. Each doctor or medical provider has his or her own thoughts about preserving life. The Living Will Declaration, consistent with Indiana’s statute which authorizes them, does provide a procedural mechanism for compelling medical providers to comply with your wishes as stated. It is a good idea to discuss such matters with your physicians and other medical providers in advance of such a situation.
