Advance healthcare directives are legal documents that outline an individual’s medical care preferences in case they cannot communicate them. These directives ensure that healthcare providers and loved ones follow your wishes, even when you can’t speak for yourself. This is an eventuality you must plan for, as underlined in the tragic story of Nancy Cruzan.
Nancy Cruzan was a young woman whose life took a tragic turn after a car accident left her in a persistent vegetative state. She could not communicate or make decisions. However, her body was kept alive through a feeding tube. Her parents, believing that Nancy would not want to live in such a condition, fought to have her feeding tube removed. However, they faced legal battles because there were no written instructions from Nancy about her wishes.
In 1990, Nancy’s case reached the U.S. Supreme Court, which ruled that without clear, written evidence of her wishes, the state had the right to continue life-sustaining treatment. Not until a lower Missouri probate court reheard evidence from new witnesses did a judge grant permission for the hospital to remove the feeding tubes keeping Nancy alive. She passed away 11 days later.
This heartbreaking situation emphasized the importance of having advance healthcare directives in place. Without hard evidence, it’s impossible to determine what Nancy would have preferred. However, if she had formalized her wishes in writing, either preference would have spared her family’s legal struggle and preserved some of her autonomy.
Many people assume that advance directives are only necessary for the elderly or those with terminal illnesses. However, the National Institute on Aging makes the case that everyone should create these documents.
Accidents and sudden health issues can affect anyone at any time. Whether in perfect health or facing medical challenges, proactive planning brings peace of mind to you and your loved ones.
If you don’t have an advance healthcare directive and cannot make medical decisions, the state’s laws will determine who makes those decisions for you. Your spouse, parents, or adult children typically may step in. However, if there’s disagreement or your family members aren’t sure what you would want, the lack of clarity can lead to disputes or decisions that might not align with your true wishes.
Just like in Nancy Cruzan’s case, not having these documents could result in prolonged legal battles or decisions that contradict one's personal beliefs.
If you are ready to take control of your future healthcare, here are a few steps to consider:
While an advance directive is a powerful tool for ensuring that your medical preferences are respected, there may still be situations where your healthcare provider or family struggles to interpret or follow your exact wishes. This is why having detailed conversations with your loved ones and medical team about your values and preferences is essential. Putting your decisions in writing is crucial. However, ongoing discussions can help ensure that your wishes are honored.
Don’t wait for a crisis; enshrine your healthcare wishes in an advance healthcare directive today. Contact our law firm today to schedule a consultation and get started.
Legacy One Law Firm, APLC is an estate planning law firm in Los Angeles, California, serving families throughout the State. Schedule a quick and easy consultation with our estate planning attorney, Sedric E. Collins, Esq., or call 323-900-5450.
