End-of-life decisions are deeply personal and often complex—especially when pregnancy is involved. In Florida, the legal framework surrounding life support during pregnancy is governed by Florida Statutes, which outlines the rules for health care advance directives, including living wills and surrogate decision-making. So, does Florida law require a woman to remain on life support while pregnant? The answer is nuanced.
‍

Advance Directives and Pregnancy
‍

Florida law does not automatically invalidate a pregnant person’s advance directive. However, for an advance directive to be honored during pregnancy, it must explicitly state that the patient’s wishes apply even if she is pregnant. This means that unless a woman has clearly documented her desire to withdraw life support during pregnancy, her directive may not be followed in that circumstance.
‍

According to Florida Statutes:

-A living will must include specific language indicating that the patient’s wishes apply during pregnancy.
-A health care surrogate must be expressly delegated authority in writing to make decisions about life-sustaining treatment during pregnancy.

Medical Evaluation and Decision-Making

‍
When a patient becomes incapacitated, healthcare providers must assess her medical condition and determine whether life support is appropriate. This evaluation includes:

-Confirmation of the patient’s condition by attending physicians.
-Consideration of the patient’s known values and preferences.
-Input from family members or designated surrogates, if applicable.

If no valid advance directive exists, Florida law allows for substituted judgment—a process where close family members or legal guardians make decisions based on what the patient would have wanted.
‍

Procedural Safeguards
‍

Florida law requires that:

-Decisions to withdraw life support must align with the patient’s documented wishes.
-Healthcare providers follow specific procedures to ensure transparency and fairness.
-Facilities such as hospitals and hospices provide written information about advance directives to patients.

Why This Matters
‍

Without clear documentation, a pregnant woman’s wishes may be overridden—even if life-sustaining treatment would not result in a live birth or would prolong suffering. That’s why it’s crucial for individuals to:

-Create an advance directive that includes pregnancy-specific instructions.
-Designate a health care surrogate with explicit authority to act during pregnancy.
-Discuss their wishes with family and healthcare providers.

Conclusion
‍

Florida respects a pregnant person’s autonomy—but only if her advance directive clearly states that her wishes apply during pregnancy. To ensure your end-of-life decisions are honored, especially in complex situations like pregnancy, consult with an attorney or healthcare provider to draft a comprehensive and legally sound directive.

‍