10/01/2013

MS Sufferer Loses Landmark Appeal Ban On Assisted Suicide

The High Court in Dublin has ruled against a Wicklow woman who took a landmark case challenging the law on assisted suicide.

Marie Fleming, 58, who has multiple sclerosis (MS), took the legal action against the Irish State to fight for the right to end her life with her partner, without him being jailed.

Three judges, led by Mr Justice Nicholas Kearns, unanimously came to a decision that they could not support a third party to bring about the death of another.Ms Fleming pleaded last month with a specially-convened hearing to spare her a horrible death and let her be helped to die lawfully surrounded by her family.

Her legal team are expected to appeal agains the decision.

Despite the decision Mr Justice Kearns said: "Her courage in adversity is both humbling and inspiring.

"She was in many ways the most remarkable witness which any member of this court has ever been privileged to encounter."

(CD/GK)

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