Singapore passed the Advance Medical Directive Act in 1996. Before the Advance Medical Directive Act was passed (i.e. before 1996), the broad principles of common law as it stands in England was applicable in Singapore. There was no certainty as to the state of the law in England regarding Advance Medical Directive. Hence, legislation by the Singapore Parliament would provide the certainty as to the state of law regarding Advance Medical Directive in Singapore. An Advance Medical Directive is s statutory legal document that you sign in advance to inform the doctor treating you that you do not want any extraordinary life-sustaining treatment to be used to prolong your life if you become terminally ill and unconscious. Terminal illness is defined as an incurable condition caused by injury or disease from which there is no reasonable prospect of a temporary or permanent recovery.