Living wills otherwise known as advance directives are legal documents that are directives by an individual specifying what should be done in the case of certain failures in health or if he or she is no longer able to make decisions. The term "will to live", as tends to emphasize the wish to live as long as possible, however in many living wills an individual specifies refusing treatment in the case of serious conditions. A living will usually will also advocate a power of attorney or health care proxy. These nominated individuals then direct healthcare decisions should the principle be unable to do so.

It is now becoming common in some areas of Europe where a patient can undertake a directive where they wish to euthanize themselves. Also being created are patient decrees which are forms signed by the patients that should they loose the power of permanent judgment or brain damage that any means of prolonging life be stopped.

There is no doubt that this is a highly controversial subject and that the law regarding both living and testator wills is highly complicated and will continue to evolve with today’s changing society.