Living Will
A living will is a legal declaration made while a person is still conscious and mentally capable, stating in advance their preferences regarding medical treatment in case they later become unable to communicate or make decisions—such as during terminal illness, coma, or loss of consciousness. It typically involves refusing certain life-prolonging measures or outlining desired palliative care.
Scope of Living Will
The scope of a the Living Will is limited to medical decisions at the end of life — mainly refusing burdensome life-prolonging interventions while affirming the right to palliative care. It does not authorize active euthanasia, asset distribution, or broad decision-making powers which suppose to be written in the Will and Testament.
Refusal of life-prolonging treatment
Examples: resuscitation (CPR), mechanical ventilation, dialysis, artifi cial feeding or hydration, surgery with no chance of recovery.
Consent to palliative and comfort care
Pain relief, sedation, hospice care, and other treatments that improve quality of life in the final stage.
Applicable only in end-of-life or irreversible conditions
Terminal illness, coma, severe brain injury, permanent unconsciousness, or other conditions defined as “end stage” under medical standards.
Who can make a Living Will
Any one whose age is over 20 years old and mentally competent.
Requirements of Living Will
The Will must be made in writing, specifying the type of medical treatment to refuse or accept, signed before 2 witnesses.
Enforcement of Living Will
Medical professionals and hospitals are obligated to honor a valid living will made in accordance with the law. When acting in good faith under such a directive, healthcare providers are exempt from legal liability for withholding life-sustaining treatment.