A written legal document specifying what medical treatments a person wants or does not want if they become unable to communicate their wishes. Also called an advance directive or advance care directive.
A document where you write down what medical care you want—or don't want—if you're too sick or injured to speak for yourself. Despite the name, it has nothing to do with a regular will. It only covers medical decisions while you're alive.
⏱ When you'll encounter this term
- Planning for end-of-life medical care
- Deciding about life support preferences
- Hospital admission for serious illness
- Advance care planning with doctors
- Family discussions about medical wishes
"My living will says I don't want to be kept on life support if I'm in a permanent vegetative state, and I want full pain relief even if it shortens my life."
💡 Did you know?
In Australia, living wills are usually called "advance care directives" and the laws differ in each state. Some states make them legally binding, while others treat them as guidance doctors should follow but can override in certain circumstances.