South African court grants man right to end his life

A terminally ill man has been granted the right to end his life in South Africa, where euthanasia is illegal.

For the first time in the country, Judge Hans Fabricius yesterday ruled that Robin Stransham-Ford could be euthanised with no legal or professional consequences for the doctor who will participate.

Stransham-Ford, 65, only has weeks to live, said rights group DignitySA, which supported the court bid and picketed outside the courthouse in the capital, Pretoria.