In short, the DOCTOR has the FINAL say as to whether you live or die. It doesn't matter what the FAMILY wants. Doctors rule.
Both my in-laws passed away in Florida. Both had living wills, but living wills are not the binding legal document people think they are. What you really need is a "health care surrogate" document designating a person/persons as your health care surrogate who will make decisions for you.
Your health care surrogate should make decisions, based on what is stated in your "living will."
This is exactly how it worked for both my in-laws. We followed the wishes laid out in their living wills. Sometimes that meant arguing and refusing things doctors were trying to do, when the living will stated otherwise.
Our problem was opposite from most, I guess. The living wills had set forth exact terms and the doctors were trying to do "more" than was put forth (both in-laws were very elderly when they passed away.)
My 92 year old FIL (who had had strokes that left him with severe memory and mobility issues, hip surgery, and was suffering from MRSA pneumonia) had stated in his living will that he did not want "artificial" nutrition, only hydration and medication. We were being presurred by doctors to insert a feeding tube. We insisted on only hydration and medication being administered via IV, as listed in his living will. We went to the hospital to try to feed him, little smounts, every couple of hours (we did the same with my MIL when she was dying.) That was not "artificially" feeding him, but allowing him to take nourishment if he was able.
So I guess our experience was not typical. My advice, find a health care surrogate you trust, and get a document drawn up.
P.S. I think the bit about having unanimous consent from spouse and children is a recipe for disaster. Make your wishes know, then give one person the authroity to insist on those wishes, just make sure it's someone with the fortitude to stand up to the doctors and insist on your wishes.
"In short" is the operative phrase. Avoiding_Sulla left out page six.