Purdy Wins - UK Must Carve Out Assisted Suicide Safe Harbor
Posted Jul 31 2009 9:58am
Earlier tonight, the Law Lords ruled that multiple sclerosis sufferer Debbie Purdy has the right to be told under what circumstances her husband could be prosecuted if he accompanied her to the Dignitas euthanasia clinic in Switzerland.
The Director of Public Prosecutions must spell out exactly when the state will act if someone helps a friend or relative take their own life abroad. Given prior DPP statements, it is likely that compassionately supporting someone's decision to die, wouldnotlead to legal action.
Nick Cartwright, of Reading University's school of law, said: "Any guidelines will have to clearly set out the circumstances in which loved ones would not be prosecuted, giving reassurance to potentially thousands who would have otherwise been deterred and opening the way to decriminalised suicide tourism." (Daily Mail)
Earlier tonight, the Law Lords ruled that multiple sclerosis sufferer Debbie Purdy has the right to be told under what circumstances her husband could be prosecuted if he accompanied her to the Dignitas euthanasia clinic in Switzerland.
The Director of Public Prosecutions must spell out exactly when the state will act if someone helps a friend or relative take their own life abroad. Given prior DPP statements, it is likely that compassionately supporting someone's decision to die, wouldnotlead to legal action.
Nick Cartwright, of Reading University's school of law, said: "Any guidelines will have to clearly set out the circumstances in which loved ones would not be prosecuted, giving reassurance to potentially thousands who would have otherwise been deterred and opening the way to decriminalised suicide tourism." (Daily Mail)