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Advanced Directives
Mar. 26th, 2005 11:00 amBecause I was reminded by the recent fuss in the news, I got a living will. To summarize: If I am in a terminal or permanently unconscious state and unable to communicate, don't try to keep me alive.
So that's all signed and official, which is kind of a relief. It's the sort of thing that you hope you'll never need, but once you need it it's rather too late.
Regardless of whether Terri Schiavo is suffering or not, I am even more certain of something else: Both Mr. Schiavo and Terri's parents are suffering more than they would be if Terri had any kind of advanced directive (be it a Living Will, a Will to Live, or some other sort of Durable Power of Attourney for Healthcare document regarding this sort of situation). It's the sort of situation where the people who are left making decisions are under tremendous duress, which will complicate their attempts to act in their loved ones best interests. It makes the situation better for all involved to spell out what one's wishes are in advance.
So that's all signed and official, which is kind of a relief. It's the sort of thing that you hope you'll never need, but once you need it it's rather too late.
Regardless of whether Terri Schiavo is suffering or not, I am even more certain of something else: Both Mr. Schiavo and Terri's parents are suffering more than they would be if Terri had any kind of advanced directive (be it a Living Will, a Will to Live, or some other sort of Durable Power of Attourney for Healthcare document regarding this sort of situation). It's the sort of situation where the people who are left making decisions are under tremendous duress, which will complicate their attempts to act in their loved ones best interests. It makes the situation better for all involved to spell out what one's wishes are in advance.
