This study explores the experiences of cisgender women who were involved in the decision to withdraw life support, or other life-sustaining treatment, from their mothers after a sudden, unexpected illness or injury.

It aims to better understand what this experience is like, and the meanings that may emerge in the months and years afterwards.

You may be eligible to take part if you are a cisgender woman living in the UK or US, were aged 40-65 at the time of your mother's illness or injury, and were involved in the decision to withdraw life support (or other life-sustaining treatment) from your mother after a sudden, unexpected health event.

Full eligibility criteria are explained in the Participant Information Sheet.

Please contact me using the form below or by email. I will send you the Participant Information Sheet, which explains the study in more detail.

After you have had time to read it, we can arrange a brief telephone call to answer your questions and check whether your experience meets the study criteria.

Where possible, yes. Because of the sensitive nature of the topic, an in-person interview is preferred. A safe, private, and comfortable space will be arranged where possible.

If an in-person interview is not possible, the interview may take place online.

Before the interview is confirmed, you will be asked to complete a brief screening questionnaire related to post-traumatic stress. The questionnaire is used only to help minimise any risks associated with taking part and is not used for diagnosis.

If you meet the criteria and choose to continue, we will review the consent form together before you decide whether to sign it.

Taking part in the study is voluntary, so there is no payment for participating.

For in-person interviews, reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed where needed.

The interview usually lasts around 60–90 minutes.

You are free to pause or stop at any time during the interview. After the interview, there will also be time to talk about how you are feeling, and you will be given a debriefing sheet with details of further support.

To ensure accurate transcription, the interview will be audio recorded.

After transcription, the recording will be securely deleted.

Yes. You can withdraw from the study at any time until data analysis begins, which is two weeks after your interview.

Should you withdraw from the study, all your data will be securely destroyed.

Yes, some questions may bring up difficult feelings or memories. You can pause or stop the interview at any time.

After the interview, there will be time to talk about how you are feeling, and you will be given a debriefing sheet with details of professional support services.

Some women may find it helpful to talk about their experience, especially when it has been carried quietly or not widely understood.

Your story may also help raise awareness of the important role women often take on for their mothers, and may help others with similar experiences feel less alone.

If you have questions about the study, you can contact me at MB2252@live.mdx.ac.uk or 07588 446 786.

If you have concerns about the research, or wish to make a complaint, you can contact my supervisor, Dr Charlotte Harkness, at charlottekharkness@gmail.com or 020 4534 3030.