Advance Medical Directive (AMD): Your Right to Choose End-of-Life Care

Dr Choo Weng Yue
Aug 8
2 min read

Updated: Aug 13

What is an AMD?

An Advance Medical Directive (AMD) is a legal document in Singapore that lets you state in advance that you do not want life-sustaining treatment if you become terminally ill, unconscious, and unable to make decisions. It ensures your medical care respects your wishes — with no unnecessary prolonging of suffering.

Who Can Make an AMD?

Anyone 21 years and above, and of sound mind, can make an AMD voluntarily. It’s a serious decision and must be made free from pressure or influence. Forcing someone to sign an AMD is illegal.

How Do I Make an AMD?

Get the AMD form – download from MOH's website or collect it from any clinic or hospital.

Once you are ready to proceed with your AMD, make a doctor visit and bring one witness along:

Your doctor will confirm that you understand the AMD and will sign on the form as your first witness.
The second witness must be at least 21 years old, unrelated to you, and not benefiting from your death.

Submit the completed form by post or in person to the Registrar of AMDs at the Ministry of Health.

Once accepted, your AMD is confidential and legally binding.

Why Make an AMD?

If you ever lose mental capacity due to a terminal illness, having an AMD in place ensures that treatments like mechanical ventilation or other extraordinary life-sustaining interventions are not used to prolong the dying process. You will still receive full palliative care and comfort support.