State has references to living wills

Editor,

The tragic case of Terri Schiavo is working its way through the international media spotlight. People of good will have polarized themselves about the intensely personal drama of Mrs. Schiavo and her family, who are bitterly divided on the ethical challenges presented by our high technology end-of-life questions.

The Easter season unfolded as the story of Schiavo and her family was told and re-told, by hundreds of commentators who expressed their opinions on the ethical questions involved in this case.

I simply wish to take this opportunity to encourage every Montana adult to do something that might ensure that Mrs. Schiavo's suffering and that of her family not go unredeemed. In spite of her terrible situation, may she bring about something profoundly good, which ought to compel each of us to address, lucidly and with careful discernment, the tough questions that might confront our loved ones at a most painful and difficult time.

The State of Montana has numerous statutory references to living wills. Perhaps the most relevant is the language found in Section 50-9-103, a "Declaration relating to use of life-sustaining treatment designee." The Montana Rights of the Terminally Ill Act can be located on the Internet at http://date.opi.state.mt.us/bills/mca_toc/50_9.htm

Another resource that has served many families well is the Five Wishes tool developed by "Aging With Dignity," which can be accessed on the web in a variety of sites, including:

http://www.learningplaceonline.com

Many Montana health-care facilities, hospices, and pastoral care centers can share resources with the public on the "Five Wishes" and other living will instruments. Such tools help us incorporate our deepest values, our personal convictions and faith teachings, our ethical and moral compass into the process of dying with dignity.

While our heart strings are pulled and our sympathies engaged by the situation in Florida, let us all take meaningful steps to lift up human dignity and our families' peace of mind during their darkest hours by providing answers to end-of-life questions now.

Lt. Governor John Bohlinger

Helena