What Is a Living Will in India? A Simple Guide for Everyone

A Living Will is something many Indians have heard of but rarely understand. It sounds legal, complicated, and even a bit uncomfortable. But in reality, a Living Will is a simple document with one purpose: to make sure your medical wishes are respected when you cannot communicate them yourself.

Think of it as future-you guiding your family and doctors during a medical crisis.

What Exactly Is a Living Will?

A Living Will—also called an Advance Medical Directive—is a written statement where you clearly explain what medical treatment you want (or do not want) if you become unconscious, terminally ill, or permanently unable to speak.

It only applies in situations where recovery is extremely unlikely—like a coma, vegetative state, or end-stage illness.

What Can a Living Will Cover?

You can specify your preferences for:

• Life-support machines

• Tube feeding

• CPR (whether you want to be resuscitated)

• Pain medication

• Situations where you prefer comfort care over aggressive treatment

These instructions help doctors understand your values—even when you cannot speak.

What a Living Will Cannot Do

It cannot request euthanasia or assisted dying. It cannot force a doctor to do something unethical. It is simply a guide that ensures your voice is not lost in a crisis.

Why Create a Living Will?

A Living Will protects both you and your family.

• Your dignity is preserved.

• Your preferences are followed.

• Your loved ones do not have to argue, guess, or feel guilty.

Without written guidance, families often face emotional conflicts during medical emergencies.

Living Will vs. Regular Will

A regular Will deals with money and property. A Living Will deals with your medical choices.

Both are important, but they serve different purposes.

How AasaanWill Can Help

AasaanWill offers India’s simplest way to create a clear, legally sound Living Will. We translate complex procedures into easy steps, help you articulate your medical wishes, guide you on witnesses, and provide templates aligned with Supreme Court guidelines. We also help you store and share the document securely so your family can access it when needed. Peace, clarity, and dignity—made simple.