A living will: the legal doc for your medical care
Decide how to be treated medically through a living will — and ensure your dignity is preserved during your final moments.
Human dignity is a fundamental value that forms the roots of mutual respect and empowers us to lead a worthy life. The conversations around dignity increase as generations progress, making it a factor in our decisions. While it is a common decision to prepare a will for when we leave our loved ones behind, we should also consider the state in which we say our goodbyes. It is important to consider making a living will to keep our dignity intact.
What is a living will?
A living will is a legal document in which a person specifies the medical actions that should be taken for their health if they are no longer able to make decisions for themselves due to illness or incapacity. It is sometimes referred to as an advance directive.
Why it matters in India
In 2018, the Supreme Court of India recognised passive euthanasia and the right to make a living will, allowing terminally ill patients to refuse life-prolonging medical treatment. This was a landmark moment for personal dignity in end-of-life care.
How to prepare one
A living will should clearly state your preferences regarding medical treatment, including whether you wish to be kept alive on life support, your preferences for palliative care, and your preferred medical proxy who can make decisions on your behalf. The document must be signed in the presence of two witnesses and may need to be notarised depending on jurisdiction.
If you are considering making your own living will, you can receive expert guidance from EasyInherit, a one-stop succession solution for all claims, inheritance, and will matters.
Talk to a specialist about your specific situation.
Whether you're drafting your first will, navigating succession, or claiming an inheritance — our team will guide you through the next step.
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