A "LOVING WILL"

Today, I received in the mail a letter from American Life League offering a free "LOVING WILL" package.

What exactly is a LOVING WILL? According to the letter,

"The LOVING WILL provides instructions regarding your medical treatment and care when you are unable to communicate your informed consent because of illness or injury. You sign it in the presence of two witnesses and acknowledge it in the presence of a notary public."

Now, I had heard of a "living will" before, but never a "LOVING WILL". So, how is a LOVING WILL different from a "living will"?

"A 'living will' tells others to stop medical treatment in certain circumstances. Living wills more and more can have the effect of granting others unlimited authority to stop medical treatment and care, even when death is not near. This could include, for example, cutting off food and water to an unconscious patient and could lead to euthanasia -- an act or omission intended to cause death. In contrast, the LOVING WILL provides for necessary medical treatment and care, including food and water."

The letter further states:

"Unlike a 'Living Will', a LOVING WILL presumes a desire for life. [emphasis added]

The LOVING WILL is a resource American Life League developed with 9 lawyers over eleven years ago. When you sign a LOVING WILL, you will have instructed others to treat your life with respect and dignity."

In light of the Terri Schiavo incident, and to honor the wonderful witness of the late Holy Father, John Paul II, who showed us that a life of suffering is nevertheless a life worth living, I have decided to order the LOVING WILL package from American Life League. It's free, although I'll probably make a donation anyway.

If you're interested in finding out more about the LOVING WILL, you can visit American Life League's website at http://www.all.org/issues/lovingwill.htm.