Judges to rule on woman’s assisted suicide

A specially convened, three-judge division of the High Court is to decide whether a 59-year-old woman, in the final stages of multiple sclerosis, has a constitutional right to an assisted suicide.

Former UCD law lecturer Marie Fleming, who has the incurable and debilitating disease, has asked the High Court to rule on her case.

The High Court yesterday heard wheelchair-user Ms Fleming from Co Wicklow is past the point where she could take her own life unaided, but wants to establish the right to end her life with the aid of someone else. She already has difficulties swallowing and speaking.