Bombay High Court Judge Justice M S Sonak becomes first in Goa to register a ‘living will’
“This is a momentous occasion.Goa is the first state which has formalised to some extent the implementation of the directives issued by the Supreme Court of India."- Justice M S Sonak
What is a "Living Will"?
A living will is a document that individuals with declining health or terminal illnesses can prepare in advance, allowing them to opt out of being kept in a vegetative state with life support systems.
In 2018, the Supreme Court acknowledged and authorized passive euthanasia and living wills. The Court recognized the living wills of terminally ill patients who might enter a permanent vegetative state and established guidelines to regulate this process.
Supreme Court's Stance on Living Will
A last will deals with the distribution of your assets after death, while a living will addresses your healthcare preferences during life if you are incapacitated.
The difference
Individuals are required to document their desires and affix their signature in the presence of two witnesses.;The document must be validated by a gazetted officer or notary public;
In Goa, the outlined procedure involves:
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The will is then submitted to the State Revenue Department Office;Subsequently, all such wills are gathered and stored at the Additional District Collectors' Office by designated officers.