[ClancyJ]

.....Does her family keep her alive, only to lose her years later from multiple organ failure, amputation due to decubitus, difficulties in dehydration and nutrition, respiratory failure?... .

This point is mute because whenever any person is saved from one illness, they face the very same possibilities. We just do not control how we die no matter how so many want to.

[TrebleRebel]

...moot...

No, we don't control how we die. But if the argument of 'suffering' is used as reason to keep her alive or end her life, then it must be clarified that this woman, regardless of when she dies, will most certainly die from a long illness, due to the circumstances of her being bedfast.

But this is beside the point. I've already stated what I think is the over-riding issue, and I won't post it again after this. This is a highly personal issue which should only be left to the dialogue of immediate family. To try it in the media is cruel. The best that can come from such highly charged public dialogue is that citizens plan for their own futures with legal documents.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have a flame-retardant suit to don.