The living will: What is it and what is it for?

The purpose of a living will is to put in writing how a person wishes to be treated, their body, in the last days of their life, or what measures to take or make in case of falling into a terminal and irreversible illness.

When we talk about a living will, we are thinking about the provisions left by a person in case they enter a state of terminal illness in such a way that they cannot express their will. What we could call a vegetative state. For these cases, they can put in writing what they want doctors to do.

Through this will, once deceased, the desired fate can also be given to the body and organs, meaning it can be donated to science, or simply order cremation. This living will must be written and can be made before a Notary or before three witnesses (two of them cannot be relatives) present at the time of writing the living will, who must sign alongside the person granting it. Additionally, a representative can be appointed, who will be the person responsible for ensuring the fulfillment of the last wishes.