Living Will in Iowa
State-specific overview · Estate & Probate
Iowa requires two witnesses and allows living wills to direct withdrawal of life support, including food and water.
How Iowa treats Living Will
Iowa recognizes living wills under the Life-Sustaining Procedures Act and requires your signature plus two witnesses. Your living will can specifically direct the withdrawal or withholding of nutrition and hydration, which some states restrict. Iowa also allows you to appoint a healthcare representative to make medical decisions aligned with your living will if you become unable to communicate.
The general definition of Living Will
A document stating your wishes about life-sustaining medical treatment if you become unable to communicate.
A living will (also called an advance directive) is a written statement of your medical preferences if you're ever in a coma, terminal illness, or unable to speak for yourself. You can specify whether you want life support, feeding tubes, or resuscitation. Doctors and family members use it to make decisions that honor your values when you cannot.
Read the full Living Will entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Iowa.