This living will has been composed with Catholic moral teaching in mind. There is a printable version here. Check with your attorney for additional considerations based on your jurisdiction and circumstances.
As a faithful Catholic, I believe in the sanctity and dignity of every human life, created in the image and likeness of God. Life is a gift to be reverenced and preserved with care, not ended prematurely by omission or commission. This document is a declaration of my desire to uphold those teachings—even in times of serious illness or incapacity—entrusting my life and death to God’s providence.
I. Declaration
If I become incapacitated and unable to make my own medical decisions, I make this directive to guide my loved ones and medical providers. I ask that all decisions regarding my health care be made in accordance with the moral teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.
II. Core Principles
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Sanctity of Life
My life is a sacred gift and should not be intentionally ended through euthanasia or assisted suicide, which I reject as gravely immoral. -
Proportionate vs. Disproportionate Means
I do not wish to receive treatments that are excessively burdensome, experimental, or without hope of benefit. These may be morally declined in accordance with Church teaching. -
Obligation to Provide Nutrition and Hydration
I insist that I be provided ordinary means of care, including food and water (even if by artificial means), unless they no longer achieve their purpose or become excessively burdensome with no benefit. -
Pain Relief and Palliative Care
I desire adequate pain management, even if such care may indirectly shorten my life, provided the intention is comfort—not death. -
Spiritual Needs
I request the presence of a Catholic priest if I am gravely ill or dying, to receive the sacraments—especially Confession, Anointing of the Sick, and the Eucharist.
III. Health Care Agent (Durable Power of Attorney)
Primary Agent
Name: ___________________________________________
Phone: __________________________________________
Relationship: _____________________________________
Alternate Agent (if primary is unavailable)
Name: ___________________________________________
Phone: __________________________________________
Relationship: _____________________________________
My agent is to make decisions in harmony with this directive and Catholic teaching.
IV. Specific End-of-Life Instructions
If I am diagnosed with a terminal condition, irreversible coma, or persistent vegetative state:
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I do not want euthanasia or assisted suicide.
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I do not want food or hydration to be withheld to hasten death.
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I allow for the refusal or withdrawal of treatments that are extraordinary, burdensome, or ineffective.
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I desire pain relief and spiritual support from a Catholic Priest.
V. Emergency Contacts
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Name: _____________________________________
Phone: _____________________________________
Relation: ___________________________________ -
Name: _____________________________________
Phone: _____________________________________
Relation: ___________________________________
VI. Revocation Clause
I understand that I may revoke or amend this directive at any time while I am competent to do so. I intend this directive to remain in effect unless I explicitly revoke it in writing or verbally in front of witnesses.
VII. Optional Catholic Prayer for End of Life
“Jesus, I trust in You. May my suffering be united to Yours. Receive me into Your mercy when my time comes. Grant me the grace to die in friendship with You, surrounded by love and Your holy sacraments. Amen.”
VIII. Signature and Witnesses
Signature of Declarant
I affirm that I am of sound mind and voluntarily make this directive.
Signature: ___________________________________
Date: ______________________________________
Witness 1:
Name: _____________________________________
Signature: ___________________ Date: _________
Address: ___________________________________
Witness 2:
Name: _____________________________________
Signature: ___________________ Date: _________
Address: ___________________________________
(Optional) Notary Public Section
(Include this if required by your state)