There are several reasons why people might draft advance health care directives. Often, those facing significant medical challenges establish advance directives to ensure they receive appropriate medical support.
Other times, individuals want to clarify their wishes so that their loved ones don’t argue with one another or feel guilty about the decisions they make. People may struggle to accurately recall conversations about medical wishes when a loved one has an emergency.
In addition to addressing treatment options, advance health care directives often include provisions related to anatomical gifts. People who clarify their wishes can better ensure that their loved ones follow their wishes after their passing.
There are several types of anatomical gifts
Individuals thinking about what may happen with their physical remains after they die can make several different choices. Some people choose to be organ and tissue donors. Health care professionals can perform operations to recover organs and other body tissues that could benefit others with medical needs.
Some people also consider whole body donation. Whole body donation typically relates to medical research. Individuals with unusual conditions may want to consider donating their bodies as a way of helping others. Families are often unclear about what an individual might desire or may feel opposed to concerning anatomical donations. Drafting an advance health care directive helps take pressure off of loved ones and helps ensure compliance with personal preferences. Those who want to make an anatomical gift or feel strongly about avoiding anatomical donation may want to clarify their preferences to ensure their families make the right choice.
