In the context of organ donation, what is a 'living will'?

A 'living will' refers to a legal document that outlines an individual’s wishes regarding medical treatments and interventions, including directives related to organ donation. This document typically addresses scenarios where a person may become incapacitated and unable to communicate their preferences about medical care. In terms of organ donation, a living will can specify if a person consents to donate their organs under certain conditions, reflecting their personal values and decisions about end-of-life medical care.

This understanding ensures that healthcare providers and family members are aware of the individual’s desires, facilitating appropriate actions in accordance with those wishes. It highlights the importance of having advanced directives in place to guide medical decisions when the individual is unable to communicate them directly.