Living Will Ensures Dignity And Autonomy In Death
Why in the News ?
The concept of a living will (advance directive) is gaining attention due to increasing awareness about dignified death, patient autonomy, and recent legal clarity by the Supreme Court, making it easier for individuals to document end-of-life care preferences in India.
Importance of Living Will in End-of-Life Care:
● A living will is a legal document that records an individual’s treatment preferences in case of terminal or irreversible illness.
● It ensures a dignified death, avoiding prolonged suffering in ICUs with invasive life-support systems.
● Helps reduce emotional burden on family members who otherwise face difficult treatment decisions.
● Prevents unnecessary medical interventions that may extend life without improving quality of life.
● Promotes patient autonomy, allowing individuals to decide their medical care in advance.
Challenges Without a Living Will
● Absence of a living will may lead to prolonged artificial life support like ventilators or feeding tubes.
● Families often face conflicts, guilt, and confusion while making end-of-life decisions.
● Doctors tend to adopt a defensive approach, continuing all treatments regardless of recovery chances.
● Situations like persistent vegetative state or terminal cancer can lead to long-term suffering and financial strain.
● Patients may undergo treatments they would not have chosen, resulting in loss of dignity in death.
| Legal Framework and Key Features: ● The Supreme Court (Common Cause vs Union of India, 2018) legally recognised advance directives (living wills) in India. ● A living will specifies refusal or acceptance of life-sustaining treatments like CPR, ventilators, and artificial feeding. ● It applies only to irreversible or terminal conditions, not routine or curable illnesses. ● Requires two witnesses and attestation by a notary or gazetted officer (simplified process). ● Supported by guidelines from Indian Association of Critical Care Medicine (IACCM) and Indian Association of Palliative Care (IAPC). |