Woman loses suicide challenge

A WOMAN who suffers from multiple sclerosis yesterday lost a legal challenge over whether her husband could be prosecuted if he helps her to commit suicide.

Wheelchair-bound Debbie Purdy, 45, launched the case earlier this month, asking the High Court in London to clarify the law on assisted suicide as her health is deteriorating. But Lord Justice Scott Baker said that the law was clear and, while he had sympathy for Purdy, only parliament could change the law.

“We cannot leave this case without expressing great sympathy for Ms Purdy, her husband and others in a similar position who wish to know in advance whether they will face prosecution,” said Baker.

Purdy, reacting outside the court, said she was “really disappointed” with the ruling and would take her case to the Court of Appeal.