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If we learn nothing from the Terri Schiavo case, we should learn what we already know – accidents happen at any time and with no warning. You have no way of predicting whether or not you will fall victim to a terminal illness or the type of brain damage that turns you into a vegetable. But you can do something – just like the Boy Scouts say: be prepared. Specifically, be prepared for the most difficult situation your family and loved ones would have to face – guessing how you would like your artificial life support handled.
The Terri Schiavo saga started more than 15 years ago. The debate over keeping her alive centered around the removal of the feeding tube which was keeping her alive. Some experts hypothesize that if she had left behind a living will, the much publicized legal back and forth could have been avoided.
A living will is a document which outlines very specific medical instructions concerning artificial life support. When an individual is in a coma or a vegetative state, he or she is no longer able to communicate desires for medical care. Today's effective life support systems can keep people alive for years, even if their brain no longer functions or they are in constant pain. An Utah living will lets you decide now, as a competent adult, what you would like to happen if you find yourself in that situation.
A LegalZoom living will includes provisions to designate a health care agent; granting another person power of attorney. LegalZoom can help you take control of your vital health care decisions quickly and easily. Simply fill out our free, online questionnaire and get your own, customized Utah living will in three easy steps.
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