The Living Will
The Common Law in South Africa regulates the Living Will principles.
Patient autonomy implies that a patient has a right to accept or refuse treatment. The Living Will will regulate the position when a patient is not able to communicate.
When a patient is terminally ill or has sustained brain damage to such an extent that there is no brain stem function and no reasonable chance of recovery, the patient can declare in his or her Living Will that no life support and/or nasogastric tube feeding should be used.
You will be well advised to consult with your attorney should you wish to finalise a Living Will.
The attached copies of Living Wills are examples only for your perusal and discussion.
