Anybody who doesn't have a living will deserves what is happening to Terri Schaivo, and to her family. ALL members of it.
A living will can say anything you want it to -- including saying that you want to be kept alive by heroic measures for as long as possible and don't you ever, ever, ever remove my feeding tube. Or it can say if I'm on the way out, just let me go. Or anything inbetween. If Terri had signed either one, this wouldn't be happening.
There are forms available in virtually every hospital or doctor's office, and in most states from the state government somewhere. Requirements vary by state, so get a state specific form.
And once you have signed one, make sure there are copies spread all around -- your spouse, family members, doctor, nearest hosital, etc. It doesn't do any good to sign one and lock it up in your safe deposit box! It can be sealed if you want to keep your wishes private, just marked Living Will on the envelope and given to people who will honor your desire for privacy until the terrible thing happens and it's needed. |
