The case of 'M'
CNK welcomed the court decision to maintain care for a brain-damaged woman. Justice Baker of the court of protection ruled that artificial nutrition and hydration should not be withdrawn in the case of M, who is in a minimally conscious state as a result of an episode of encephalitis in 2003. Dr Peter Saunders said, “This is a wise and sensible decision which upholds the law and maintains present levels of legal protection for severely brain-damaged people.” (28/9/11)
DPP defends decision not to prosecute in cases
The Times reported that the Crown Prosecution Service is clearing the way for assisted suicide by not taking action in cases of assisted suicide. The Director of Public Prosecutions acknowledged that no prosecutions had been made since CPS guidelines were given in February 2010. Dr Peter Saunders said that there was a real danger of legislation by stealth. Prosecutors have a duty to uphold the will of Parliament. (6/9/11)
Two cases of 'locked-in syndrome' challenge DPP
Tony Nicklinson and 'Martin' continue to challenge the DPP either to amend his current assisted suicide prosecution criteria to allow medical practitioners to help people end their lives or to publish similar prosecution guidelines for euthanasia. (19/8/11)
Survey shows growing pressure on disabled people
The disabled people's charity Scope published survey results showing that disabled people feel that discrimination against them is getting worse. Scope also reported on the impact of cuts to social care budgets on disabled people. Disability related hate crimes are up a fifth from last year. (21/9/11)
Teresa Coffey MP introduces EDM
Dr Therese Coffey, MP for Suffolk Coastal made a bid to ensure that everyone receives appropriate food and fluids, particularly those who need assistance because they are very elderly or severely disabled. (14/9/11)
BBC report misleading
The retired actor Stuart Mungall, 71, was given a twelve month sentence suspended for two years for smothering his 69-year-old wife Joan with a pillow in their home in Tooting, South London. The BBC headline was factually inaccurate and seriously misleading. The comments of the judge make fully clear that no one can take the life of another as Mungall did with impunity. (23/9/11)
Emmerdale actor wins awards for assisted suicide scenes
Danny Miller won Best Actor and Best Dramatic Performance at the 2011 Inside Soap Awards for his role as Aaron Livesy and the assisted suicide scene involving Aaron's boyfriend Jackson Walsh. The programme was criticized by disability rights groups for misrepresentation. However, the show has also taken a more realistic view about the huge consequences for the lives and relationships of those left behind after assisted suicide. (26/9/11)
Morphine kills the pain, not the patient
Medical News today wrote about the professional and public anxieties about the effects of morphine and how this continues to hinder adequate prescription of this vital painkiller for relief. (31/8/11)
Martin Green backed change in the law
A dementia expert for the Department of Health and chief executive of the English Community Care Association backed a change in the law to allow assisted suicide. (28/8/11)
Selection of CNK in the Media
Report on M verdict featuring Dr Peter Saunders.
Dr Andrew Fergusson radio interview on the M Case.
Dr John Wiles on BBC responding to Wife's call for assisted suicide to be legalised.
Care Not Killing DVDs
Request our free DVDs and pass them onto your friends, families, colleagues, schools, places of worship, or organisations. Our most recent DVD 'Disabled people speak on assisted dying' and our earlier DVD 'Doctors speak on assisted dying' are both available. Email info@carenotkilling.org.uk
Speak out
Please keep writing your comments online in response to articles in the media. Engage in discussions and write letters to newspapers and politicians with your views. Medical members can write to BMA News and medical journals.
Personal Stories
As the risks of any weakening in the law in relation to Assisted Suicide become increasingly highlighted, a number of you are writing to the Care Not Killing Alliance with your own experience of why you feel the law is best kept as it is. Send us your own story to info@carenotkilling.org.uk. Please include whether or not you are happy for your story to feature on our website, and visit our Personal Stories page.
Support
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Stay informed
Check the CNK websitefor regular updates
Thank you for your continued support and action!
CNK Alliance
Website: www.carenotkilling.org.uk
E-mail: info@carenotkilling.org.uk
Address: 6 Marshalsea Road, London, SE1 IHL
Phone: 020 7234 9680; Fax: 0871 900 4745; Skype: carenotkilling
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