Marie Fleming (59) – now in the end stages of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), diagnosed in 1986 – wants to die, and therefore is challenging the State, the Irish Attorney General and the DPP. The session of the Irish High Court started early December. Submissions will also be made by the Human Rights CommissionMs Fleming is confined to a wheelchair, unable to move any of her limbs and her speech and swallowing are significantly affected.
“I want to die in my own bed, in my house and in my home area. I want to die with dignity and in a peaceful and gentle way consistent with the way in which my partner Tom and I have lived our lives.” In her statement, the 59-year-old said that she is not afraid to die and she regrets that she did not take her own life before she lost the use of her arms. However, because of her disability, she now requires assistance to die.
Her partner Tom Curran said that he will do all he can to help her.If he does, he could face prosecution and a jail sentence of up to 14 years under Section 2.2 of the Criminal Law Suicide Act of 1993.
Worthwhile reading for the complete story:
Irish Times:
November 30: Woman to testify in ‘right-to-die’ case www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2012/1130/breaking42.html”>http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2012/1130/breaking42.html
December 4: Woman asks court for right to die www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2012/1204/breaking32.html
December 6: DPP can’t grant prosecution immunity www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2012/1206/breaking43.html
December 7: Group backs suicide right in ‘extreme’ situations www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2012/1207/1224327611249.html
December 12: Court told of no rise in legal assisted suicide rate among poor or elderly www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2012/1212/1224327773835.html
December 13: Introducing assisted suicide ‘entirely radical’ www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2012/1213/1224327804328.html
December 14: High Court will rule on assisted suicide in new year www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2012/1214/1224327836082.html
Radio Television Eire
December 11: US expert on assisted suicide gives evidence in High Court case www.rte.ie/news/2012/1211/marie-fleming-court.html
The Irish Independent
December 9: Judges must now decide whether or not our Constitution allows for compassion