05 LC 98
0961
House
Resolution 856
By:
Representatives Day of the
163rd,
Ralston of the
7th,
Keen of the
179th,
Harbin of the
118th,
Jamieson of the
28th,
and others
A
RESOLUTION
Designating
the first week of April each year as "Living Will Week" in Georgia; and for
other purposes.
WHEREAS,
life-and-death situations confront thousands of persons within the State of
Georgia each year due to life-threatening illness or injury; and
WHEREAS,
personal and family values should determine the degree to which a person would
want to endure the burdens and hardships of medical treatment or application of
life-sustaining procedures; and
WHEREAS,
the preparation of a Living Will, also known as an Advance Directive, would
advise family members, medical providers, and other persons of how an individual
would want to be treated in certain crisis situations; and
WHEREAS,
physicians, other health care providers, clergy, legal counsel, and family
members should, or may, provide guidance and insight into determining the final
wishes of a person when the Living Will is being prepared; and
WHEREAS,
to avoid any legal or medical confusion due to the emotions from end of life
decisions, it is in the best interest of all Georgians that each person over the
age of 18 should communicate his or her wishes by creating a Living Will;
and
WHEREAS,
the designation of the first week of April of each year as "Living Will Week"
will give honor and respect to all persons as they make critical decisions about
the end of their life and allow death with dignity according to their own
decision.
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA that the first week
of April of each year is designated as "Living Will Week" in Georgia and the
members of this body encourage the citizens of Georgia to prepare a Living Will,
also known as an Advance Directive, to assist surviving family members, medical
professionals, and others as they honor the final wishes of a person in a moment
of crisis.
BE
IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of this body encourage medical, civic,
educational, religious, and other nonprofit organizations to encourage
individuals to prepare Living Wills to ensure that each person's wishes and
rights are protected.