Yeusvi Flores: The case of the “Sleeping Prince” and the importance of our will

The recent passing of Saudi Prince Al-Waleed Bin Khalid Al Saud, known worldwide as the “Sleeping Prince,” shocked millions of people.

In 2005, Al-Waleed suffered a severe head injury that left him in a persistent vegetative state. For nearly 20 years, his family kept him on life support, hoping he would one day wake up. Throughout this time, they shared videos showing small movements, interpreted as signs of hope.

Her story invites us to do a deep analysis and debate about the prolonged use of life support and, especially, about the need to talk about advance directives.

Life support includes all medical measures used to artificially maintain a person's vital functions: mechanical ventilation, artificial hydration and nutrition, medications to maintain blood pressure, etc.

These interventions can save lives, but they can also unnecessarily prolong suffering when recovery is medically impossible or highly unlikely. This is where fundamental concepts such as the proportionality of treatments and the right to a dignified death come into play.

Advance Directive

Since 2008, Mexico has had the Advance Directive Law, in force in several states (including Yucatán), which recognizes the right of every adult to freely, in an informed manner, and in writing, decide what type of treatment they wish or do not wish to receive in the event of suffering from a terminal illness or becoming irreversibly unconscious.

It is through this legal document, or in a will, that we can indicate whether we wish to receive life support, express whether or not we want cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and where we can designate a trusted person to make decisions for us if our condition prevents us from making decisions. This document is legally valid to guide doctors and protect the patient's wishes.

As physicians, our mission is to care for life, but also to accompany death with dignity. It's not about "giving up," but rather about recognizing when a treatment ceases to be beneficial and becomes disproportionate or even painful.

The case of the "Sleeping Prince" should not be viewed with judgment, but rather as an opportunity to open family and social dialogue. Every culture, family, and individual has different beliefs; but they all share one truth: we deserve to decide how we want to be treated until the end.

I encourage you to learn about the Advance Directives Law and to begin a dialogue with your families about your wishes in the event of a serious illness, as well as your position on organ and tissue donation. Keep in mind that if your family knows your wishes, they will be better prepared to make decisions in difficult times, and you can be sure that you will provide them with the clarity they need to act.

Living with dignity also includes knowing how we want to leave.

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