The Basics on Advance Directives “ Thy will be done...” Text prepared by Lutherans For Life, Inc. Presentation prepared by Lutherans For Life, Inc.

Lutherans For Life, 2005 Advance Directive An instrument in writing whereby the person signing the instrument, the principal, provided direction in the document for future health care decisions should that person become unable to make their own health care decisions. Black’s Law Dictionary Sixth Edition

Lutherans For Life, 2005 Living Will A document which governs the withholding or withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment from an individual in the event of an incurable or irreversible condition that will cause death within a relatively short time, and when such person is no longer able to make decisions regarding his or her medical treatment. Living wills are permitted by statute in most states. Black’s Law Dictionary Sixth Edition

Lutherans For Life, 2005 Health Care Power of Attorney An instrument in writing whereby one person, as principal, appoints another as his agent and confers authority to perform certain specified acts or kinds of acts on behalf of the principal regarding his health care only. Black’s Law Dictionary Sixth Edition

Lutherans For Life, 2005 Agent A person authorized by another (principal) to act for or in place of him; one intrusted with another’s business. Black’s Law Dictionary Sixth Edition

Lutherans For Life, 2005 Origins of Living Wills Euthanasia Education Council (now known as Choice in Dying) States enacted Living Will legislation Patient Self-Determination Act

Lutherans For Life, 2005 Living Wills Example 1 “If I should have an incurable or irreversible condition that will cause my death in a relatively short time…” “If I should have an incurable or irreversible condition that will cause my death in a relatively short time…” arthritis mental illness days, weeks, months, year

Lutherans For Life, 2005 Living Wills Example 2 “I direct my attending physician…” “I direct my attending physician…” Removes medical decisions from your family whoever happens to be near…

Lutherans For Life, 2005 Living Wills Example 3 “Withhold or withdraw medical treatment that only prolongs the dying process…” “Withhold or withdraw medical treatment that only prolongs the dying process…” food and fluids

Lutherans For Life, 2005 Health Care Power of Attorney Designate someone you trust More than one person Share values about the sanctity of life Discuss your wishes Do not be too specific

Lutherans For Life, 2005 The Slippery Slope Right to refuse treatment “Right to die” Right to assisted death (physician-assisted suicide) “Duty to die” Euthanasia (“Right to kill”)

Lutherans For Life, 2005 Refusing Medical Treatment Right to refuse treatment Does not sustain life, but prolongs the dying process Discuss if treatment is a burden “Right to die” – patient is a burden

Lutherans For Life, 2005 Live Forever? There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die. Ecclesiastes 3:1-2a NIV

Lutherans For Life, 2005 Life is a Gift from God All the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be. Psalm 139:16b NIV Man’s days are determined; You have decreed the number of his months and have set limits he cannot exceed. Job 14:5 NIV

Lutherans For Life, 2005 Who Decides? I put to death and I bring to life, I have wounded and I will heal, and no one can deliver out of My hand. Deuteronomy 32:39b NIV

Lutherans For Life, 2005 The Role of the Church I was sick and you looked after me. Whatever you did for the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me. Matthew 25:36b, 40b NIV

Lutherans For Life, 2005 God Speaks in Suffering But those who suffer He delivers in their suffering; He speaks to them in their affliction. Job 36:15 NIV

Lutherans For Life, 2005 Hope in Suffering And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 1 Peter 5:10 NIV My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life. Psalm 119:50 NIV

Lutherans For Life, 2005 God Works in All Situations And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 NIV

Lutherans For Life, 2005 What If I Have a Living Will? Do you know what it says? Contact your attorney They are revocable Start over

Lutherans For Life, 2005 Recommend Resources Protective Medical Decisions Document International Task Force on Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia Will to Live National Right to Life Committee Durable Power of Attorney: Christian Version Christian Life Resources

Lutherans For Life, 2005 How to Witness Be prepared Know the issues Assisted suicide Euthanasia “Speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15)

Lutherans For Life, 2005 Basics on Advance Directives

Lutherans For Life, 2005 Brochures from LFL God’s Love in Human Suffering Euthanasia and the Christian A Guide for Christians in Ethical Decision-Making at the End of Life

Lutherans For Life, 2005 Brochures from LFL God’s Love in Human Suffering Euthanasia and the Christian A Guide for Christians in Ethical Decision-Making at the End of Life The Right to Die: Rhetoric, Reality, Response

Lutherans For Life, 2005 Before I Die

Lutherans For Life, 2005 Ordering Information Lutherans For Life Lutherans For Life 1120 South G Avenue Nevada, IA LIFE LIFE

Lutherans For Life, 2005 Mission Statement Equipping Lutherans to be Gospel- motivated voices For Life

Lutherans For Life, 2005 Bring Good News to Life

Lutherans For Life, 2005 What will you do to speak for life? LIFE