Sharon's Condition Declines, Now Described as 'Mortal'

The medical condition of former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has deteriorated in the past few hours, but doctors at Tel HaShomer Hospital in Tel Aviv said Thursday evening.

They described his condition for the first time as "mortal."

He has been in a coma for eight years, and his condition deteriorated sharply 10 days ago. Doctors said he might live only for a few days and that only a miracle could save him.

Sharon's family now must decide whether to authorize procedures that could extend his life. perhaps only for hours and possibly for days if not weeks.