News In Focus
9 August 2006
Terminal patient loses appeal
A patient suffering from a terminal illness has lost his legal battle to prevent doctors from withdrawing food and drink once he is no longer able to communicate.
Leslie Burke (46) from Lancaster suffers from the degenerative disease Friedreich's ataxia, which affects the nervous system but does not affect mental capacity. He took his case to the European Court of Human Rights, arguing against guidelines issued by the General Medical Council relating to when life-sustaining treatment should end.
Lawyers acting on his behalf said the court in effect ruled that his application was premature. Mr Burke, 46, fears he will die a painful death of thirst as a result. He said he was bitterly disappointed in the ruling.