Some want the maximum of medical care no matter what. Others want to avoid what they consider needless suffering and medical bills. Doctors are not expected to make these decisions.
Courts say the patient has the right to decide whether to continue or halt treatments.
Unfortunately, people may be unable to speak or reason clearly near death. That is why it is very important to make your wishes known before you are unable to do so. But in Colorado, family members have no legal right to make these decisions unless unanimously designated as the decision maker by as many as are practicable to notify of your spouse, either of your parents and any adult child, sibling, grandchild and close friend. With advance directives you can relieve your family and friends of the responsibility of designating the decision maker. Irrespective of how selected, the decision maker is expected to act based on the patient's wishes.