Living Will

[watervole]

This is something that I intend to post around once a year, simply so that there is a record of my wishes over a long period of time.  My family already know my views on voluntary euthanasia, but if they're ever called up on to act, then I want something out there to back them up.

If I reach a stage (which I hopefully never will) when I am unable to recognise my own family (due to something like Alzheimer's), then I do not wish to continue living beyond that point.

If I reach a stage where disability and poor health (in spite of good quality medical care) have reached the stage where I have no independent mobility and am in frequent pain and have no way of doing things that I enjoy (such as sewing, chatting to friends, reading books, singing, etc.) then if I ask to die, believe me.

I have no religious beliefs and no fear of death.

As long as  I enjoy my life, I wish to continue living.  At the point where life becomes a burden to me, that's the point when I wish to cease it.

The thought that someone else's beliefs/ethics will force me to remain living when I no longer wish to do so is extremely repugnant to me.

It's my damn life.

Comments

[jon-a-five.livejournal.com]

Well said. Although personally I'd want to have a good try at living even if incapacitated or disabled.