MS Society Responds To Debbie Purdy Ruling - Clarification On The Law Of Assisted Suicide, UK

Main Category: Multiple Sclerosis
Also Included In: Palliative Care / Hospice Care;  Litigation / Medical Malpractice
Article Date: 31 Jul 2009 - 8:00 PDT

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The MS Society has responded to today's Law Lords ruling concerning the case of Debbie Purdy, who has sought clarification on the law of assisted suicide.

Debbie, 46, who was diagnosed with Primary Progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) in 1995, wanted to be assured that her husband would not be prosecuted on his return to the UK, if he accompanies her to the Dignitas clinic in Switzerland.

It is now thought that the Law Lords will ask the Director of Public Prosecutions to set out when prosecutions would happen.

Simon Gillespie, Chief Executive of the MS Society, said: "Debbie Purdy's victory has pushed MS into the spotlight but there is far more to living with MS - even in its more severe forms - than planning how to die.

"There are 100,000 people with MS across the UK and most will live about as long as any of us. The key to living well with MS is access to the right care and support, including palliative care when it's needed.

"Most palliative care resources are focused on cancer and cases like this show why the Government's end of life care strategy is so important."

Source
MS Society