You need the EPC Life Protecting Power of Attorney for Personal Care decisions

Alex Schadenberg
Executive Director, Euthanasia Prevention Coalition.

A EPC supporter recently contacted us about the personal care (living will) document that was proposed by their lawyer. The legal name of document differs between jurisdictions.

Among other things, the document stated:

If there is no reasonable expectation of recovery from extreme physical or mental disability and death is otherwise imminent, (Name) wishes to be allowed to die and not be kept alive by artificial means or "heroic measures." In those circumstances, (Name) instructs that care be limited to support and comfort only and (Name) does not want any active resuscitation undertaken.

(Name) believes that if it is imminent, death should be allowed to come mercifully and painlessly. (name) believes that the indignity of deterioration, dependence, and hopeless pain is to be feared more than death. (Name) therefore asks that medication be mercifully administered to her to alleviate suffering, even though this may hasten or cause her death.

(Name) has carefully considered these wishes. (Name) appreciates that any attempt to countermand this declaration may be well intentioned and, therefore, affirms that she fully understands the consequences and the implications of this declaration. (Name) has made this declaration also to ease the emotional anguish of those who have to determine if intervention shold be undertaken and to place the responsibility for the decision solely upon myself.

This language of this document is mixed with acceptable and unacceptable language. This document is dangerous. 

For instance comfort care measures may be necessary but the definition of comfort care can result in death by dehydration.

Also, the values imbedded in the language: "the indignity of deterioration, dependence, and hopeless pain is to be feared more than death" suggest that deterioration and dependence is worse than death. The document focuses on hopeless pain rather than effective pain management. This document is designed to scare you into refusing effective care or to scare you into requesting death by euthanasia or assisted suicide.

Life has difficult circumstances. Pain and symptom management are necessary but a negative ideology about the state of life only leads to people requesting to be killed.

Whereas, the Life-Protecting Power of Attorney for Personal Care will protect you when you are unable to make medical or personal care decisions for yourself.

The Life Protecting Power of Attorney for Personal Care states that you want appropriate medical treatment for your condition, including palliative care, that you want food and fluids (nutrition & hydration) unless it is truly futile or your death is imminent, that you do not want euthanasia or assisted suicide and that you do not want your life to be intentionally shortened.

This legal document enables you to appoint someone you trust to be your Power of Attorney for Personal Care (language differs based on jurisdiction). This document makes clear statements about euthanasia, assisted suicide and medical treatment options and guides medical practitioners and the person you have appointed to make medical and personal care decisions that protect your life, when you are unable to make decisions for yourself.

The Life Protecting Power of Attorney uses a basic format that is legal within most jurisdictions and also has available specific formats for jurisdictions with special requirements.

Canadians purchase the Life-Protecting Power of Attorney from EPC for $10 + taxes.

Purchase US State versions from EPC-USA for $15 (Purchase link) or contact EPC at: 1-877-439-3348 or info@epcc.ca.