Several parts:
Is sexual arousal voluntary? I thought I had read once that it isn’t.
What happens to the sexuality of people in comas? Are erections or ejaculation possible? Similarly would a female lubricate?
Are there any cases or studies of comatose relationships?
What are the laws regarding this? What are the ethics surrounding this?
My fiance and I were discussing this last night, and figured here would be as good a place as any to raise a few questions.
The conception scene in The World According to Garp comes to mind. But that’s probably not quite as scientific as you’d like.
Nocturnal erections/emissions would seem to be marginally relevant. I can attest to the feasibility of having “relations” in a semi-aware state. This morning, in fact.
While there is a voluntary component, there are also reflexes involved. If the proper stimulation is applied physical arousal can occur even if consciousness is not present.
Erections can be artificially induced in the comatose, it’s a matter of stimulating the proper nerves. Women have been impregnated while comatose, some even giving birth while in that state. I’m not sure how much lubrication occurred in those cases, but even when not aroused the normal vagina has some slick stuff in it.
Someone comatose is incapable of reciprocation or consent, so and “relationship” would be one-sided on the part of the non-comatose. Sexual intercourse with a comatose person would be rape due to inability to consent. (Situations where reproduction is desired on the part of the non-comatose are ethical minefields, but under some circumstances may be OK as actual intercourse is not required for reproduction)
Sexual intercourse with a comatose person is rape because they are unable to give consent.
I suppose you could have a situation where, say, a woman states “I consent for my husband to have sex with me should I ever be in a comatose state” prior to Something Awful occuring, but few people would have that sort of forward-planning. If, however, that did happen it would be a situation where consent is given and where sexual intercourse could occur legally and ethically… although the idea squicks me out.
The OP said “spouse”, and, for most of Western “civiliization” it was a legal impossibility for a man to rape his lawful wife.
Google "“spousal rape”.
The point was that the bride’s “I do” was unconditional consent - she had given her consent for sex at any time, any condition, for the rest of her life. Once you give unconditional, unrevocable consent, any time hubby wants sex, he is legally entitled to take it. I believe this included use of force.
It was only recently that (some) states have enacted specific laws to invalidate the concept of permament consent, thereby making spousal rape a legally possible crime.
So, if you and your comatose wife were married in, and you are still in a state which has not passed a spousal rape law, dive in - it’s legal.
This is why many consider marriage to be modelled on prostitution - she has to put out, and he has to pay - forever. Alimony goes on forever, or until she finds another buyer of her services… Yes, I am cynical - but I didn’t write the law.