Tony Nicklinson

For those of you who have read my blog before will know of Tony Nicklinson, a locked-in syndrome suffer, pursuing a "right-to-die" case. 

His case to allow doctors to end his life via the use of lethal drugs without fear of prosecution was rejected last Thursday.

The case differed from other "right-to-die" cases which have focused on assisted suicide. Tony Nicklinson would be unable to take lethal drugs, even if they were prepared for him by someone else due to his condition, the paralysis of nearly all voluntary muscles however is mind is fully functioning.

Despite being rejected the case has gone further than other cases on assisted suicide in English and Welsh courts.

I have utmost respect and the deepest sympathy for Tony Nicklinson as I cannot imagine how he feels following the news however the general consensus amongst health officials is that the correct decision was made. This particular case is heart wrenching and Tony's wishes are very clear but the court passed judgement considering the bigger picture, had the result been different what affect would this have had in the future?

Although described as a "right-to-die" case Tony Nicklinson can end his life through the means of a hunger strike as described in a very interesting interview(see bottom of page) with Prof John Saunders however Tony Nicklinson understandably wishes to die in a more dignified, pain free way and to do so requires the help of a third party, doctors. 

Detached from the emotion and sensitivity surronding the case several questions spring to mind, for example would such an act be murder? How would the doctor required to provide the "help" feel during/after the act?

This case along with many others highlights how complicated the issues surrounding assisted suicide are and how they incorporate a vast number of factors, not just the individual it concerns. For now the law on assisted suicide is to stay the same and each case will be dealt with on an individual basis and even then very few are accepted.