Euthanasia case in the courts

Briefing.

From SPUC: SPUC is taking part in an English high court hearing of a case whichpresents a threat to vulnerable people and could undermine the law againstassisted suicide. Mrs Debbie Purdy, who has multiple sclerosis (MS), wantsto know whether her husband would be prosecuted if he took her abroad to commit suicide. Mrs Mary Corrigan, an SPUC supporter who has MS, said: "MSis a terrible disease, and major depression and suicide are more commonamong MS people than most other groups. It is important that the courtgets the full picture of what this case could lead to, which is why SPUCis intervening." Mrs Purdy is backed by Dignity in Dying, thepro-euthanasia group, and is considering going to Dignitas in Zurich,Switzerland, to kill herself if her condition worsens. [SPUC and Guardian,2 October] Dignitas claims that more than 100 British people have committedsuicide there since it opened 10 years ago. Our source says that 650British people are registered with the organisation and that its totaldeath toll is 870. Switzerland legalised assisted suicide in 1941. [Times,2 October]