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It is unwise to rush to have a living will done by practitioners from the same branch of government that has exercised this power to kill. I also worry that the wording might end up tied to funding or lack thereof in law for disability care, or, that if a person doesn't have one in future somehow, the physicians will just kill you by default. Interpretation of the wording now of such instruments will open its own vigorous law practice, and permit doctors to end the lives of people who might otherwise recover but for these documents.

I strongly disagree. I am a lawyer and no matter which side of this issue you are on, you should write down your instructions in legal form. This case proves it.

Think of how much bandwidth has been devoted to whether or not Judge Greer (and the appellate and reviewing courts) accurately or fairly determined Terri's wishes. If you don't write down you wishes, you risk the same type of dispute for your heirs.

So whether you want to maintained on life support or withdrawn from life support, write it down in enforceable form. [Most states have forms you can fill in yourself and state your wishes.]

The irony continues . . .

Lawyer Invokes Easter in Call for Terri Schiavo's Death
By Jeff Johnson
CNSNews.com Senior Staff Writer
March 25, 2005

(Update: Judge James Whittemore, a federal judge in Tampa, Fla., has once again refused a request by Terri's parents to keep Terri alive while her parents pursue an appeal based on new claims in the case. The ruling came shortly before 8 a.m. EST on Good Friday.)

(CNSNews.com) -- Prior to a new hearing by the U.S. District Court in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, the attorney for Michael Schiavo invoked the commemoration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ while calling on Terri Schiavo's parents to end their efforts to save their daughter's life.

"We believe it's time for that to stop as we approach this Easter weekend," noted "right-to-die" attorney, author and activist George Felos told a throng of gathered television cameras, "and that Mrs. Schiavo be able to die in peace."

Terri Schiavo's brother, Bobby Schindler, disputed Felos' claim that what Terri has experienced since her feeding tube was removed one week ago is peaceful.