A living will is different then a last will and testament. Your living will is the document that allows you to voice your wishes if you are in a terminal, permanent, or unconscious condition with no chance of recovery. This document allows your wishes to be heard regarding all forms of life support. In other words it allows you to have control when it comes to life or death.

Having a living will is also different then having a "do not resuscitate order". A DNR states that you do not want any life sustaining or life saving measures, in the event you would became ill or injured. A living will on the other hand is used in cases where everything has been tired and the doctors are sure that the only use for the life support is to postpone death. Usually the times when a living will comes into play is when a person is considered to be brain dead.

If a living will is signed this does not mean that the doctors will give up on you if you have an illness or if you are injured. If you are unable to eat or drink, the doctors will insert feeding tubes and IV's to keep you alive.

In the event these forms of life support have been started and it is deemed later that you are in a terminal, permanent condition with no chance of recovery and you have a living will your wishes are already stated regarding the removal of the life support. Just because it has been stated that you do not want to be placed on IV fluids and/or feed through a feeding tube does not mean that your doctor is going to let you suffer. The doctors still have a duty to insure that you are comfortable and will administer pain medication to ease the pain during this time.

Every state has a state specific living will, but just because you signed an "Ohio living will" does not make it invalid in North Carolina. If you have a living will and are going to be traveling it is a good idea to keep a copy of this document with you. When you sign your living will make sure to follow the instructions and have it witnessed or notarized. Just because you sign the living will does not make it a valid document, you must sign it according to the laws of your state. To find a free printable copy of your states health care directives you can visit http://www.uslivingwillregistr y.com/forms.shtm.

You have signed a living will, now what? Having this document saves your family from having to make the tough choice of stopping the life support. This document will only help your family if they are aware of it. Make sure that your family knows about your living will and make sure to have a copy of the document on file with your local hospital and with your family doctor.

Learn more about this author, Marcy Volbert.
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