MS Trust welcomes assisted suicide clarification

23 September 2009

The director of public prosecutions (DPP) today issues new guidance on assisted suicide and whether or not people who help someone to take their own life are to be prosecuted.

The guidance will take a compassionate view of the circumstances of each case. Any evaluation will include whether the person has a clear and settled intention to commit suicide, whether they have been encouraged or just assisted to do so, and whether those helping them have anything to gain from their death.

The DPP, Kier Starmer QC, has said, "The basic approach we have taken is to try to bring some clarity, but at the same time to protect the vulnerable."

The new guidance follows the ruling by the Law Lords in June in a case brought by Debbie Purdy. Ms Purdy, who has primary progressive MS, wanted to know if her husband would be prosecuted if he helped her travel to the Dignitas clinic in Switzerland.

The guidance, which will be open for public consultation next year, is not a change in the law but a clarification of how it will be applied. Assisting a suicide will remain illegal and can result in up to 14 years imprisonment.

The guidance covers England and Wales. Fresh guidance is also expected in Northern Ireland. The Scottish Parliament is expected to debate a bill on legalising assisted suicide.

Pam Macfarlane, Chief Executive of the MS Trust, said, "We strongly believe that in all aspects of their healthcare people should have all the information available to enable them to make the right choices for them, therefore we welcome this clarification. MS is not a terminal condition and as an organisation we continue to campaign for more investment in specialist palliative care and support for both the person with MS and those close to them."

Author: MS Trust