Six Simple Steps That Could Save Your Life
As we begin a new year, many people make commitments to improve their health, finances, or spiritual life. This year, we invite you to consider a few life-saving resolutions—simple but meaningful steps that can help protect you and your loved ones.
Over the past few weeks alone, Life Legal has received an unusually high number of urgent calls from families facing life-and-death decisions in hospitals. These are not rare or hypothetical situations. They are happening now, often with little warning—and families are frequently unprepared for how quickly care decisions can change.
With that in mind, here are several resolutions worth considering as you enter 2026:
1. Remove your name from the organ donor registry.
Recent federal investigations have raised serious concerns about organ procurement practices. You can still choose to be an organ donor even if you are not on the registry by making your wishes known to a trusted health care agent (see below).
2. Execute an Advance Health Care Directive.
An advance directive allows you to clearly state your wishes regarding medical care if you cannot speak for yourself. Without one, life-and-death decisions may be made by hospitals or courts—not your loved ones.
3. Designate a trusted health care agent who understands your values.
Choosing the right person matters. Make sure they understand—and are willing to defend—your beliefs regarding life-sustaining treatment, including hydration, nutrition, and ventilator support.
4. Share your wishes with your family.
Many tragic cases arise not from bad intentions, but from confusion, fear, or disagreement among loved ones. Thoughtful conversations now can prevent unnecessary suffering later.
5. Learn the warning signs of medical abandonment.
Patients are increasingly being labeled “futile,” with food, water, or basic care deemed “non-beneficial.” If you notice sudden changes in care or decision-making, seek immediate help. Knowing your rights—and knowing who to call—can save lives.
6. Keep Life Legal’s contact information accessible.
When life-threatening decisions are made quickly, time matters. We regularly intervene to restore care, protect patient rights, and defend the vulnerable—often with only hours to spare. Contact us at 707.224.6675 or help@LifeLegal.org.
For those who would like to understand more about why this is happening and how to protect themselves, we have provided additional details and resources here.
If you would like resources or guidance on advance directives, patient rights, or how to protect yourself or a loved one, we are here to help.
Thank you for standing with us as we defend life at its most vulnerable moments. We are deeply grateful for you and wish you a healthy and happy New Year!
Life Legal is guided by longstanding moral teaching that food and water—even when provided medically—are ordinary care and should not be withdrawn from patients because of disability, brain injury, or prognosis.