What is a living will primarily used for?

A living will is primarily intended to specify a patient’s medical treatment wishes in the event that they become incapacitated and cannot communicate their preferences. This legal document allows individuals to detail what medical interventions they would or would not want to receive if they are facing a terminal condition or a state in which they cannot express their wishes, such as a coma or severe cognitive impairment. The importance of a living will lies in its ability to guide healthcare providers and loved ones in making decisions that align with the patient's values and desires regarding end-of-life care.

While other options touch upon relevant aspects of healthcare decision-making, they don't fully capture the main purpose of a living will. For example, outlining preferences for organ donation is a separate legal consideration, and establishing a healthcare proxy or providing guidelines for healthcare professionals are related but distinct concepts concerning advance healthcare directives. The primary focus of a living will is its role in communicating medical treatment preferences, ensuring that a patient's choices are honored even when they cannot voice them themselves.