Have you ever expressed a wish to make sure you are not kept alive unnecessarily towards the end of your life? If, for instance, you were involved in a serious road traffic accident and kept alive on a ventilator what do you think should be the outcome? What would you want for yourself or what would you want for someone you love? many of you would say "Prolong life no matter what". Others would say, "We should switch the machine off". Euthanasia is illegal in the UK and the debates are never ending about the rights and wrongs of this ethical and moral dilemma.

Many people suffering from terminal illness have strong wishes about what they want or do not want to happen. Those suffering from Huntington's Disease are no exception. At this present moment in time there is no cure for Huntington's Disease and the course of the illness covers many years. Many sufferers have strong views as to what they do not want to happen as the disease progresses. By making a "living will" you can articulate some of those wishes, such as not being kept alive on a ventilator.

The Terrence Higgins Trust, a national voluntary organisation leading the fight against AIDS has devised a "living will" which is easy to understand and complete. They have also lobbied those in position of power in order for recognition. The British Medical Association has issued a document supporting the use of living wills and they are becoming more widely used.

For a £5 donation the Terrence Higgins Trust will send a "living will" for you to complete without the aid of a solicitor. You can then send a copy to your General Practitioner, Solicitor or those who are caring for you if you wish to do so.
 

WHAT IS A LIVING WILL ?

A living will is about YOU and what you want to happen to you and your body

It is not about property or about your funeral arrangements

It is about medical treatment and takes effect if you become unable to tell anyone your wishes

It also enables you to nominate someone as your 'Health Care Proxy' to take part in medical decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so.

The Terrence Higgins Trust
52-54 Grays Inn Road
London
WC1X 8JU