Am I guilty of spousal neglect?
Last August my wife informed me that she has breast cancer. She has not been diagnosed by a doctor, but let’s assume she is correct. Her condition has been worsening. She is a Christian Scientist. I have asked her to seek medical help. She has refused. Instead she has been using a Christian Science practitioner and is seeing a Christian Science visiting nurse. In Sept she had notarized an advanced health care directive that states that she wants only Christian Science care and that if she becomes unable to make health decisions for herself, I am to make them for her “with the advice of her practitioner.” By the time it gets that far, it is almost certain a doctor will be unable to help her beyond putting her in a hospice. I see no way to force her to see a doctor short of physically restraining her, I am not willing to do that. We have been married 39 years and I cannot bring myself to do anything but support her as best I can. We have no children and her family beyond me are also Christian Scientists who support her wishes. If she dies, can I be held criminally negligent in any way for not forcing her to see a doctor? If so, how do I force her? What are my legal responsibilities?