Archives

Archives

Fight for Dignified Death

Whilst we are experts in fatal accident claims there are moments when the law affect other aspects of our lives. The right to die, has been brought into the court once again when a campaigner who is terminally ill requires the court to determined when he can die with ‘dignity’ rather than being ‘entombed’ by his illness.

The High Court will determine the fate of Noel Conway, 67 years of age, a retired lecturer who is suffering from the debilitating motor neuron disease.

It is reported that he has less than one year to live and Mr Conway would like to control his end of life wishes.  When he has less than 6 months to live and has mental capacity to make the decision, he wishes to bring about a ‘peaceful’ death with professional help from doctors.

No medical professional can intentionally accelerate death otherwise, under the Suicide Act 1961, a doctor (or family member/friend) may face up to 14 years imprisonment.

Fatal Accident Claims

Mr Conway requires a declaration that the Suicide Act is incompatible with the Article 8 of the European Convention of Human Rights which relates to respect for private and family life and Article 14, which protects against discrimination.

However the right to die has to be balanced the possibility of family members putting pressure on the patient to end their life.  It is a difficult case.  The Justice Secretary is opposing the case and the trial continues.