In Maryland, a living will is also known as an “advance directive.” This document empowers you to make your own health care decisions for the future.
In a rare circumstance that you get into an accident or terminal condition that causes you to be in a persistent vegetative state, your doctors and loved ones can honor the contents of your living will.
To help provide a deeper understanding on this topic, here are three essential benefits of a Maryland living will:
It can help you prepare for the future
While most young individuals do not think they need a living will, any competent adult who is aged 18 years and above can make a written one, so long as they do it voluntarily.
When you plan for your future incapacity, you can safeguard your right to be treated with dignity and help spare your loved ones from making challenging medical decisions on your behalf.
It can discuss details about your use of artificial life support
Your document can carry instructions about your end-of-life care. These can include details about your artificial nutrition administration, pain management and how long you want to be kept on a breathing machine.
Additionally, your living will can also mention if you want to be a Christian organ donor or not. As with the belief that every single life is a divine gift from the Lord, having the opportunity to save another human being’s life can be your last form of noble act in this beautiful world.
It can provide you with flexibility and control
Just like a final will, you can amend or cancel your living will at any time. For example, you want to add a new treatment preference or include special instructions about spiritual support during your dying process.
You can pass on with your Christian values intact
When you have an advance directive, your health care providers can treat you according to your personal wishes while also respecting your spiritual values and beliefs.