In June 2025, headlines told the heartbreaking story of a brain-dead Atlanta nurse who was kept on life support for weeks so her baby could continue developing in the womb. Read the article here. While the baby survived, the case raises difficult questions about medical autonomy, end-of-life care, and the legal limits of a person’s wishes when pregnancy is involved.
Would an Advance Healthcare Directive Have Helped Her?
Laws relating to end-of-life care varies by states. For example, in Georgia, the laws in effect at that time restricted the withdrawl of life-sustaining treatments for pregnant patients.
However, California law has different presumptions and requirements. In California, your healthcare choices—including decisions about life support—are legally binding through an Advance Healthcare Directive (AHCD). Unlike Georgia, California does not have laws that automatically override your directive due to pregnancy. This makes it all the more important to plan ahead and document your wishes clearly.
What Is an Advance Healthcare Directive (AHCD)?
An Advance Healthcare Directive is California’s legally recognized form that allows you to:
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Appoint a healthcare agent – a person you trust to make medical decisions if you cannot
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Express your wishes about life support, resuscitation, organ donation, and end-of-life care
It replaces outdated terms like “living will” and combines them with power of attorney authority into one unified form.
You can view the official California Advance Health Care Directive form and instructions here (CDSS Form PUB 325).
Why an AHCD Is Essential in California
Without an Advance Healthcare Directive:
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Your family might disagree about your care
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Hospitals may rely on default life-sustaining measures
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A court could appoint someone to make decisions for you
An AHCD puts you in control of your medical future and avoids unnecessary confusion or conflict.
How to Make Your AHCD Effective
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Choose the right agent – Someone who will respect and advocate for your wishes
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Communicate clearly – Talk about your values and care preferences before a crisis
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Share your directive – Give copies to your doctor, hospital, and trusted family
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Review regularly – Update after any major life event like marriage, divorce, or illness
Get Legal Help to Do It Right
California provides free forms, but they don’t always account for your unique situation or integrate well with your larger estate plan. An attorney can help ensure:
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Your directive is clear and enforceable
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Your choices are legally sound and aligned with your goals
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All documents—from trusts to powers of attorney—work together smoothly
Work With a Trusted California Estate Planning Team
At the Law Offices of David Knecht, we help clients prepare Advance Healthcare Directives as part of a comprehensive estate plan. Whether you’re planning ahead for peace of mind or updating an older directive, we’re here to help.
Contact us today at (707) 451-4502 to take control of your future healthcare decisions with confidence.
