Disabled Brit loses assisted suicide case

LONDON: A woman who suffers from multiple sclerosis lost on Wednesday a legal challenge over whether her husband could be prosecuted if he helps her to commit suicide. Wheelchair-bound Debbie Purdy, 45, launched the case earlier this month, asking the High Court in London to clarify the law on assisted suicide as her health is rapidly deteriorating.

But Justice Scott Baker said on Wednesday that the law was clear, and while he had sympathy for Purdy only parliament could change the law.

“We cannot leave this case without expressing great sympathy for Purdy, her husband and others in a similar position who wish to know in advance whether they will face prosecution,” he said.

Purdy, reacting outside the court, said she was ‘really disappointed’ with the ruling and would take her case to the court of appeal. “People need clarity, and I don’t feel any clarity. I hope the court of appeal will take a different view but, in the meantime, I’d like Parliament to take the judges’ hint to look at the law,” she said.

Purdy has said she plans “to live forever,” but if condition becomes unbearable she wants to decide when she dies. She has joined Dignitas, the Swiss body where people can go to commit suicide. Her ability to carry out everyday tasks is rapidly diminishing.