Originally Posted by
JohnDThompson
Yes, as long as you are medically unstable, implied consent is valid. But once you've been stabilized, things become different. Deciding whether or not to place a feeding tube, or withdraw ventilator support require explicit consent.
One of my ex-wives was a Jehova's Witness. When we were married, she told me over and over again, that if anything should happen to her she was NOT to be given a blood transfusion. I didn't really understand the reasons why not, but I realized it was her belief and it was extremely important to her. I've wondered since then if many people who believe as she did don't get blood transfusions contrary to their consent. All in the name of saving a life, of course.