LIVING WILLS Meaning and
Definition
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Living Wills, also known as advance directives or healthcare directives, are legal documents that outline an individual's preferences for medical treatment and end-of-life care if they become unable to communicate their wishes in the future. They serve as a guide to healthcare providers and family members regarding the types of medical interventions the person desires or wishes to avoid.
The purpose of a living will is to ensure that an individual's healthcare decisions align with their personal values and beliefs, even when they are no longer capable of expressing those decisions. It allows individuals to make choices regarding life-sustaining treatments, such as CPR, mechanical ventilation, tube feeding, and the administration of medications.
Typically, living wills specify whether an individual wants life-prolonging measures to be used in the event of an irreversible illness, permanent unconsciousness, or terminal condition. They can also address other aspects of end-of-life care, including the administration of pain relief and palliative care. In some instances, living wills may address organ and tissue donation preferences.
Living wills are legally binding documents when properly executed and recognized under the laws of a specific jurisdiction. They require the signature of the individual and sometimes witnesses or a notary public. It is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or attorney when creating a living will to ensure that it complies with local laws and addresses all relevant considerations.
Common Misspellings for LIVING WILLS
- livin will
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Etymology of LIVING WILLS
The term "Living Wills" originated in the United States in the late 1960s. The word "Living" refers to the fact that it is a legal document designed to express an individual's wishes regarding medical treatment while they are still alive. "Will" in this context refers to a legally binding document that specifies one's desires and instructions, usually related to end-of-life care.
The concept of a living will emerged as a response to advancements in medical technology and the need for individuals to have autonomy and control over their own medical decisions. The term gained wider usage and popularity after the landmark "Karen Ann Quinlan case" in the 1970s, which involved a young woman who fell into a coma and her family's fight to remove her from life support.
