Some people should never be allowed to be doctors!

[Divernan]

11. Would YOU want to artificially draw out your own death like that?

Would you want your own loved ones to suffer daily watching you? Odds are great that the mother's quality of life is horrendous, but the daughter is not strong enough to let her go. If the mother has gotten weaker daily for 2 weeks, and cannot breathe on her own, with no prospect of improving, she is being kept alive artificially. You gave your friend an ultimatum based on your personal history. Her mother's experience is not the same as your mother's was. You would be a true friend if you'd have your friend immediately contact the professionals at her local hospice. I think their advice to her would be unbiased and reassuring. Hospice provides good grief counseling following death as well.

This incident is a reminder to all of us to consider what we want done when our own lives come to an end , and to execute an Advanced Directive, which spells out what lengths medical caregivers should go to, and under what circumstances. This relieves our loved ones from the terrible pressure of having to make a final decision.