( CNN ) -- Erick Munoz wants to see his wife 's wish fulfilled this holiday season , but it 's one that carries ethical and legal challenges : To be taken off of life support . Marlise Munoz , 33 , is in serious condition in the intensive care unit at John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth , Texas , hospital officials said . She is unconscious and on a ventilator , her husband told CNN affiliate WFAA , but she would n't have wanted her life sustained by a machine . `` We talked about it . We 're both paramedics , '' he told WFAA . `` We 've seen things out in the field . We both knew that we both did n't want to be on life support . '' Complicating an already difficult situation is that Munoz is also pregnant , about 18 weeks along , WFAA reported . Texas state law prohibits withdrawing or withholding life-sustaining treatment from a pregnant patient , regardless of her wishes . Patients can indicate their future wishes about medical treatment , in the event that they are unable to communicate them , through forms called advance directives . But in Texas , under the Health and Safety Code , such a form includes the provision `` I understand that under Texas law this Directive has no effect if I have been diagnosed as pregnant . '' Erick Munoz told WFAA doctors said his wife may have suffered a pulmonary embolism , which happens when blood clots travel to the lungs from elsewhere in the body . They do not know how long the baby went without nutrients and oxygen . The hospital would not release specific details about Marlise Munoz 's condition , but officials said the hospital would follow Texas law regarding care during pregnancy . Christmas Eve battle over girl on life support . `` We have a responsibility as a good corporate citizen here in Tarrant County to also provide the highest quality care we can for all of our patients , '' said J.R. Labbe , vice president of communications and community affairs for JPS Health Network , in a statement . `` But at all times , we will follow the law as it is applicable to health care in the state of Texas . And state law here says you can not withhold or withdraw life sustaining treatment for a pregnant patient . It 's that clear . '' The husband and wife , both paramedics in the Tarrant County area , have a 14-month-old son named Mateo . Erick Munoz and Marlise Munoz 's mother did not immediately respond to requests for comment from CNN . Erick Munoz found his wife unconscious on November 26 , around 2 a.m . He performed CPR on her and then called 911 , WFAA reported . Since that day , the pregnant woman has been on life support , her husband said . Tests have shown that the fetus has a normal heart beat , he said . At 24 weeks , doctors may know more about when the fetus can be taken out , Munoz 's family told WFAA . Doctors have also discussed the possibility of taking the fetus to full term . He told WFAA that his wife had said she would not want to be kept alive by machine , and said he has reached `` the point where you wish that your wife 's body would stop . '' Munoz wears his wife 's pink and blue bracelets on his wrist , WFAA reported . Her wedding ring is on his pinkie . When Munoz walks in the door , he said his son Mateo is waiting for his mother to show up . `` You can see it in his eyes , '' Munoz said .
Nurse Munoz was unconscious on March 26 . Her husband said she did not want to be on life support . Texas law prohibits withdrawing life - sustaining treatment from a pregnant patient .