A living will is not really a will, but a document that describes what types of procedures you want performed in certain end-of-life situations. The media often portrays living wills as describing when to “pull the plug,” or declaring that you don’t want to become a “vegetable.” It is true that a living will can describe when you want life-sustaining measures withdrawn, but a living will can also explain when you want life-sustaining procedures administered.

You can specify when you want life-sustaining measures withdrawn or administered.

In accordance with Maryland law, your living will should address what kind of procedures you want in three medical conditions:

• (1) terminal condition (an incurable condition where death is imminent);
• (2) end-stage condition (an advanced, incurable condition that has caused severe and permanent deterioration. Death may not be imminent. For example, late stage Alzheimer’s may fit this condition); and
• (3) persistent vegetative state (an irreversible loss of consciousness). You may specify what types of procedures you would like provided (or withheld or withdrawn) in each condition. They may be the same for each condition or different. You may address other situations applicable to you, for example when you want pain relief, placement options, and day-to-day care.

Without a living will, or having someone you designate to make decisions for you, health-care decisions are made without your input. In many cases this results in unnecessary treatments which can cause enormous costs to your family, both financial and emotionally. Even worse, it might result in the refusal of treatment you may have wanted.

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