Rose,
I just saw your post and it is quite a coincidence as I was talking to a girl in my water class tonight who told me that her friend's waters broke at 17 weeks and they told her they were going to induce her for the same reasons. She said NO and as she hadn't lost all her amniotic fluid doctors allowed a wait and see approach. She was flown to Sydney and after weeks of complete bed rest they induced her at about 28 weeks and her little boy was OK!! Make sure your friend has all the info. I'll keep an eye out for updates and will be hoping for the best!
Hope xo