Legality of Living Wills 1978 General Resolution

WHEREAS, the heritage of religious freedom extends into the nature of life and destiny; and

WHEREAS, through advances in science and technology we anticipate longer lives; and

WHEREAS, persons can be kept alive by heroic means after expectations of useful mental and physical activity have gone; and

WHEREAS, it has become evident that a large proportion of Unitarian Universalists favor the right to decide the nature of their care during terminal illness; and

WHEREAS, individuals may, while they are enjoying viable lives, sign documents alluding to their wishes in regard to final care;

BE IT RESOLVED: That the 1978 General Assembly of the Unitarian Universalist Association affirms and defends the right of each person to sign a legally binding Living Will; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the 1978 General Assembly of the Unitarian Universalist Association supports legislation throughout the several states in the United States which would affirm the legality of Living Wills and urges and calls upon its member societies to work toward the passage of such legislation.