Advance Medical Directive (AMD) plays a crucial role in end-of-life planning, but it's essential to understand their limitations. So, can an AMD be used as euthanasia? The answer is no. An AMD is designed to specify your preferences for medical treatments you wish to decline in situations where you are unable to communicate, such as life-sustaining treatments. However, it does not authorise euthanasia or assisted suicide, which are illegal in many jurisdictions.
Want to learn more about the scope and restrictions of an AMD? Read on for a comprehensive guide to understanding the legal boundaries of Advance Medical Directives, ensuring you make informed decisions about your end-of-life care.
Can an AMD Be Used for Mercy Killing?
As mentioned above, AMD does not encourage Euthanasia or Mercy Killing. Here's a breakdown for a better understanding:
Euthanasia/Mercy Killing:
Defined as the deliberate act of ending a person's life suffering from an incurable and painful illness, typically using lethal means like administering lethal chemicals.
Illegal in Singapore
Advance Medical Directives (AMD):
Function as advanced instructions for your doctor regarding your end-of-life care preferences.
Allows you to refuse extraordinary life-sustaining treatment when terminally ill and unconscious.
Focuses on letting the natural dying process occur without unnecessary interventions.
Fully supported by the AMD Act.
Key Distinction:
Euthanasia actively ends life, while an AMD allows natural death to occur without prolonging it with unnecessary interventions.
The AMD Act specifically prohibits euthanasia and promotes a respectful approach to end-of-life care.
By understanding the difference between AMDs and euthanasia, you can make informed choices regarding your end-of-life care. The AMD Act promotes patient autonomy and compassionate care while upholding ethical principles.
Other Rights of the Patient with an Advance Medical Directive
The Ministry of Health (MOH) emphasises that having an AMD in Singapore does not diminish your other healthcare rights. Here's a breakdown of key points:
Palliative Care Remains Available: Even after your AMD goes into effect, you will continue to receive palliative care. This includes pain management, medication for discomfort, and reasonable provision of food and water.
Decision-Making When Competent: If you regain consciousness and have the mental capacity to make informed decisions, you retain the right to choose your own medical treatment in consultation with your doctor. Your AMD does not override your current wishes.
No Impact on Insurance: Creating an AMD has no bearing on your ability to purchase, obtain, or maintain an insurance policy. The terms and conditions of your existing or future policies remain unaffected.
These provisions ensure that your AMD works alongside your other healthcare rights in Singapore. You retain control over your care while your AMD safeguards your wishes in the event you become terminally ill and unable to make decisions.
What Will Happen if You Don’t Have an AMD?
While the decision to create an AMD is personal, its importance cannot be overstated. In the absence of an AMD, the burden of difficult end-of-life care choices falls on your family during an emotionally charged time.
Without an AMD:
Your family, not your wishes, guides treatment decisions for extraordinary life-sustaining measures if you are terminally ill and unable to communicate.
Doctors are not obligated to provide all possible treatments but navigate a complex situation with your family.
With an AMD:
Your voice is heard. Your AMD clearly outlines your preferences for end-of-life care, ensuring your wishes are respected.
Your family receives crucial guidance during a difficult time, minimising unnecessary stress and confusion.
Creating a legally valid AMD in Singapore doesn't have to be complex.
Let The Life Legacy Help
Our team of legacy planning consultants can guide you through every step of the AMD creation process. We can help you:
Understand your options
Draft a clear and concise AMD
Help get AMD to be certified by the doctor
Ensure proper registration
Take charge of your future today. Contact The Life Legacy to schedule a consultation and create an AMD that reflects your wishes.
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