Living Will, Pregnancy
Although life-sustaining treatment must be withheld according to the wishes of any principal who has a valid living will, an exception is made when the principal is pregnant at the time the living will becomes effective.

When life-sustaining treatment will facilitate the development and live birth of the child, the treatment must be given to the principal. However, even if it will lead to a live birth, life-sustaining treatment may be withheld if it will cause the principal physical harm or pain that cannot be relieved by medication.  The state of Pennsylvania pays for all medical expenses associated with medical treatment necessary to allow for the child's birth under these circumstances.

Although these actions must be taken when the principal is known to be pregnant, a health care provider is not required to perform a pregnancy test unless he or she has reason to believe that the principal is pregnant.

See: Living Will, Generally; Living Will, When Effective; Living Will, Revoking; Living Will, Life Insurance; Living Will, Suicide and Homicide