News In Focus
25 February 2010
Assisted suicide guidelines published for England & Wales
New guidelines for England & Wales over whether people would face prosecution over assisting suicide place closer scrutiny on a suspect's motivation.
Director of Public Prosecutions, Keir Starmer, whose final guidelines were published today, said that whether a person acted "wholly compassionately" and not for financial reasons was important.
But he made it clear the advice does not represent a change in the law and does not cover so-called mercy killing.
Mr Starmer had already published draft advice following the Law Lords ruling last year in the Debbie Purdy case, which said Ms Purdy, who has multiple sclerosis, was entitled to know whether her husband was likely to be prosecuted if he helped her end her life. The final version differs slightly from the draft.
“The guidance is not about changing the law – assisted suicide is illegal and carries a jail term of up to 14 years”, the DPP said.
Terminal
More than 100 Britons with terminal or incurable illnesses have gone to the Swiss centre Dignitas to die. None of the relatives and friends involved has been prosecuted, due to the authorities exercising their discretion.
A consultation on the draft attracted nearly 5,000 responses.
Northern Ireland has also been carrying out its own consultation. Scotland does not have a specific law on assisted suicide, but Margo MacDonald MSP is promoting a bill which would individuals to make the choice to end their lives with assistance in certain circumstances.
Click here to view the DPP's policy for prosecutors.