I don want to be kept alive if I am in a vegetative condition or with irreversible brain damage. Can I use a living will to state my desires?
Yes. But despite its popular name, a Living Will is not actually a Will at all. A Living Will is a document spelling out what kind of medical care a person wants in the event of terminal illness and incapacity to communicate one’s wishes. A Living Will can also spell out the kinds of treatment a person does want or does not want in any circumstances. Any competent adult can make a Living Will. The requirements for Living Wills vary from state-to-state. For example, some require witnessing, a standard form of document, or an acknowledgment before a notary. Others are more lenient. We strongly recommend having a Living Will drawn by an attorney if a Living Will is an viable (and crucial) option. Careful drafting is important. Language, such as “Pull the plug if life is not worth it”, is not particularly clear and not recommended.
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- I don want to be kept alive if I am in a vegetative condition or with irreversible brain damage. Can I use a living will to state my desires?
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