Appointing a Power of Attorney
Making your wishes known in the event of a medical emergency.
Discussing your wishes with regards to life and death issues can be as uncomfortable and controversial as discussing politics or religion.
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion about right to die and other life and death wishes. However, it is vital to make those wishes known to those who may be making decisions if you become incapacitated.
Emergencies are emotional enough. Don't leave it up to your next of kin to make decisions based on their own best guess at what you might want.
The Terri Schiavo case last year demonstrated the fact that famliy can be diametrically opposed when it comes to these decisions. Even if the case never involves the President, Congress and the Supreme Court, these situations can become extremely stressful to all famliy members.
Make your decisions known and put them into writing. Appoint someone to act as your Power of Attorney for health care matters. You can always change your mind and re-do any of these documents, but it's important to make your wishes known.
