House of Lords rejects Falconer amendment
The House of Lords voted by 194 votes to 141 on 7 July to reject Lord Falconer's amendment (173) to the Coroners and Justice Bill. The amendment would have allowed those accompanying terminally ill adults travelling abroad to end their lives to avoid investigation or prosecution but was rejected on public safety grounds. A powerful speech by Baroness Campbell warned of the potential of state-assisted suicide. Leaders of disabled people's organisations, along with doctors' leaders and senior legal figures had also condemned the amendment.
BMA opposes change in law to allow assisted suicide
The British Medical Association has voted at its annual representative meeting to reject a motion calling for support for a change in the law to allow assisted suicide. In so doing the BMA has affirmed its longstanding opposition to a change in the law and has chosen to stand with the RCP, the RCGP and the two thirds of doctors who consistently say in all opinion polls that they do not wish the law to change.
Choice is an illusion in Oregon
It is becoming more apparent that assisted suicide in the US State of Oregon, legalized in 1997, has become a cheap 'alternative treatment' option for those with serious illnesses, as in the case of Barbara Wagner who was offered it whilst being denied chemotherapy. The 'right to die' is becoming the 'duty to die' for many vulnerable people who feel under pressure to end their lives in order to avoid being a burden.
Growing concern over Swiss suicide facility
State prosecutors in Zurich have unveiled new rules governing the way organisations such as Dignitas are allowed to operate, making it harder for foreigners to use them. Meanwhile more disturbing evidence is emerging about what really happens at Dignitas.
Wife cleared of attempted murder of disabled husband
Mrs Tracey Roffey, a thirty seven year old mother of three from Essex, who was accused of trying to kill her wheelchair-bound husband after allegedly learning insurers would pay a six-figure sum in the event of his death, has been cleared of the charge of attempted murder. The case has however highlighted the possibility that some desperate family members may be tempted to coerce their sick or elderly relatives, subtly or explicitly, into an assisted suicide for financial gain or to relieve themselves of a care burden.
Downes' suicides
The suicides of Sir Edward and Lady Joan Downes at the Dignitas suicide facility have received huge amounts of media attention. Fears have been expressed that this latest high-profile double suicide may lead to copycat deaths or suicide pacts in which otherwise well spouses 'choose' to end their lives alongside their terminally ill husbands or wives.
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