People remember how sad they felt while Terri Schiavo withered away; as they watched the woman's family fight over what they thought she wanted.
You Should Have A Living Will
While Living Wills have existed for some time, they have become household words since the Schiavo case - the Florida woman who suffered severe brain damage in 1990 and became the centre of a legal and moral debate which culminated in her passing away on March 31, 13 days after her feeding tube had been removed.
The controversy pitted Schiavo's parents, who wanted to keep their daughter alive, against Schiavo's husband, who said she wanted to die rather live in such a state. Politicians joined in the debate as did church leaders. People around the nation argued the moral and ethical implications of Schiavo's condition.
Schiavo did not have a Living Will - a written, legal document that clearly expresses what a patient would want done if their condition is terminal and incurable, an important message to your loved ones when you are no longer able to communicate.
While common sense would say Living Wills are more important for the elderly it's important for adults of all ages to have such documents because you never know when tragedy will strike. Schiavo was only 26 when she collapsed in her home.
There are people who are young that don't realize this is important, but it is. The Living Will gives you a chance to make a decision you want about life and death.
Who Needs A Living Will?
Everybody needs a Living Will. You can be in charge, regarding the way you are treated at the end of your life.
Nobody in their right mind would want their family to be dragged through something like the Schiavo case. Anybody, regardless of age, should seriously consider how they will be treated, as long as they are living by the medical community.
It is important to have a Will and a Living Will for the children. It makes it easier on families if a situation arrives, so they don't have to make a decision on their own. It's never too early to have a Will or a Living Will.
