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Living Will

Directive To Physicians Under Natural Death Act

When an adult person's death becomes imminent and irreversible, the law of most states allows that person to determine whether or not life-sustaining procedures should be used to prolong his or her life.

This document is usually referred to as a living will. The reasons for enacting a natural death act or a right-to-die statute usually include:

* Adult persons have the fundamental right to control decisions regarding their medical care, including the withholding or withdrawal of life-sustaining procedures.

* Modern medically technology makes possible the prolongation of human life beyond natural limits.

* Persons may suffer losses of dignity and unnecessary pain and suffering if they are required to use modern life-sustaining procedures.

Living wills usually require two adult witnesses who are not related to the person signing the document (the declarant) by either blood or marriage and are not heirs of his or her estate. Also, the attending physician or his or her employees are usually not appropriate witnesses.

Revocation

The declarent of a living will can revoke it at any time (whether competent or incompetent) by the following acts:

* Destroying the document

* Directing the destruction of the document

* Signing a written revocation

*Giving a verbal revocation

A physician or the other person who acts without actual knowledge of the revocation will not suffer criminal or civil liability.

Pre-printed forms are usually available, and those interested in a living will should contact their physician and/or attorney.