What does a living will indicate?

A living will is a legal document that outlines a person's preferences regarding medical treatment in circumstances where they are unable to communicate their wishes, such as during a serious illness or injury. This document typically specifies what kind of medical interventions an individual wants or does not want if they become incapacitated. It ensures that healthcare providers and family members are aware of the person’s wishes regarding life-sustaining treatments, resuscitation efforts, and other end-of-life care decisions, thus respecting the individual’s autonomy and choices in critical situations.

Other options, while important in their own contexts, do not accurately describe the primary purpose of a living will. For instance, preferences for organ donation or funeral arrangements may be expressed in different documents, such as an advance directive or a testament. Instructions for posthumous treatments also fall outside the scope of what a living will is designed to address. Therefore, understanding that a living will specifically pertains to medical intervention decisions highlights its vital role in healthcare planning and patient rights.