Hellobee Boards

I didn't discuss it associated with pregnancy and labor. But DH and I have discussed it before and he knows my wishes.

Living wills aren't just about addressing death. If something happens that renders you unable to make decisions, you need to have something in place so that your physician and loved ones know what you want. For example, if you're declared brain dead, do you want to be kept alive by machine? As a hospital social worker who's dealt with too many confusing situations when a patient does not have a living will completed, I strongly encourage you to complete one. Most hospitals have a generic form you can complete, even while you're in the hospital.

The US Dept of Health is starting to mandate that these conversations are had. In my health system, we get a consult every time a patient has a question about Advanced Directives, and we have 48 hours to address that consult. I imagine this is why your physician is starting the conversation now.

ETA: In the state of PA, in the absence of paperwork, decision-making falls to your spouse, then adult children, then living parents, then living siblings (typically oldest sibling first), and in the absence of any family, friends who are willing to step up. I don't think this is is the case in all states, though, hence the whole Terry Shiavo fiasco in FL several years ago. All that to say, I can't stress enough the importance to not only have this conversation with your spouse and loved ones, but get it on paper. That way there is no confusion and no fighting.