Regardless of whether an individual's brain has stopped working or a person is in constant physical pain, the advanced life support systems of the present day are able to keep the human body alive for long periods of time, even years.

As able-minded adults, we have the right to decide on our own use of life support. We can indicate whether or not we want to decline life support systems when it is clear to medical professionals that death is unavoidable or a coma becomes permanent.

A living will is the legal document outlining your decision. You can let your loved ones know the desired course of action if you become terminally ill or are in a persistent vegetative state. Additionally, a living will addresses other important life support concerns such as tube feeding, artificial hydration and pain management. A living will goes into effect only in a situation in which you physically cannot communicate your desires.

Equally critical, a living will has the ability to let your family know if you want to be kept on life support and for how long. As the Terri Schiavo case clearly illustrated, legally establishing your desires in writing is vital for yourself and your family.

For more information about living wills, visit our partner LegalZoom. Here, you'll find a free, online legal library providing all the information and resources you need when considering a living will.

LegalZoom is not a lawfirm and can only provide self-help services at your specific direction. Information contained above is subject to change and is not applicable to every state. Visit LegalZoom.com for specific state-by state-documents.

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