THE High Court is being asked to decide on whether a Liverpool hospital has the right to withhold treatment from a 30-year-old woman suffering from a rare genetic condition.

Medics at the Walton Neurological Centre say Eileen Doran is so ill she has no quality of life.

They say they want to withhold treatment should she develop an infection and now managers there are taking their case to London for a judge to decide.

However, Eileen's mother, Margaret Doran, 53, has accused the doctors of playing God, adding: "Where there's life, there's hope".

Mrs Doran said: "She's my oldest daughter. They're saying they don't want to treat her any more if she gets an infection.

"I'm going to fight this tooth and nail. They should continue to treat her, that's what hospitals are for."

Eileen suffers mitochondria cytopathy, which causes extensive fits. Over a period of time - months or years - it causes brain damage.

She was admitted to Walton shortly before Christmas when gradually her fits became worse and has deteriorated until she is unable to feed herself or breathe without the aid of a machine.

She has a feeding tube in her stomach and a tube into her throat clears her airways. Without this tube, she could develop an infection or even suffocate.

Doctors say she is unaware of her surroundings and unable to acknowledge anyone.

They believe it is unfair to prolong treatment when Eileen's quality of life is so poor and she has no chance of improving.

Now they are preparing evidence for the High Court where they will ask a judge to decide if they can withhold antibiotics should Eileen develop an infection, a move that could lead to her death.

However, Mrs Doran and her family are outraged. This is the second child they have seen develop MC. Her son, Miley, died two years ago at the age of 17.