living will

1.

A document signed by an individual expressing his/her desire that, in the event of an illness from which there is no reasonable expectation of recovery, aggressive or extraordinary measures to prolong life, such as resuscitation and life-support equipment, should not be used.

Noun

1.

living will - a document written by someone still legally capable requesting that they should be allowed to die if subsequently severely disabled or suffering terminal illness; "after he discovered he had AIDS he drew up a living will"

instrument, jurisprudence, law, legal document, legal instrument, official document