Mary —

This is a very complex issue, and one fraught with danger to both of you. Things are not what they appear to be in this field.

I would for now refer you to the National Catholic Bioethics Center web site, which has resources that explain the risks and benefits of all the various sorts of ways of planning for serious illness.

In any case, you will be an important factor for him, no matter what the situation unless, as is happening more and more, hospital committees rule that you don't or won't have a good quality of life and you should be deprived of food and water so that you will die.

Mary Ann