What is the main purpose of a living will?

A living will primarily serves to govern the withholding of life-sustaining treatment. This legal document allows individuals to articulate their medical preferences in case they become unable to communicate their wishes regarding end-of-life care. It specifically addresses situations where a person may be facing terminal illness or conditions where they are unable to express their desire for or against specific medical interventions.

By outlining clear directives regarding what types of treatment an individual would want or not want, a living will provides guidance to healthcare providers and family members, ensuring that the individual's wishes are honored even when they are incapacitated. This is crucial in preventing unwanted medical interventions that may prolong suffering without a meaningful quality of life.

Understanding the role of a living will highlights its importance in the continuum of end-of-life planning, differentiating it from documents related to estate planning, funeral arrangements, or the appointment of someone to make healthcare decisions on one’s behalf.