Right To Die

A disabled man has taken his fight for the right to die to the Court of Session in Edinburgh, with support from campaigners.

Gordon Ross, who's 65, suffers from Parkinson's disease, has no sensation in his arms and legs and is confined to a wheelchair.

He says he doesn't want to die yet, but eventually wants his family to be permitted to assist him without being charged with murder or manslaughter.

The case is being heard at the Court of Session in Edinburgh today.  With the help of his solicitors, Patrick Campbell and Co, Glasgow, Gordon, a member of Friends At The End (FATE), is calling upon the Lord Advocate to issue guidance to clarify whether any person who helps him end his life would be charged with an offence.  Such guidelines have been published in England by the Director of Public Prosecutions but these do not apply to Scotland.

The case is very similar to several recent high profile cases in England, including Paul Lamb and Tony Nicklinson.   Campaigners hope Gordon’s case will prompt similar guidelines and assurances in Scotland.  It is expected that there will be a number of demonstrators supporting Gordon’s Case outside the court prior to its start.

Bob Scott of Friends At The End (FATE) said: “We are demonstrating outside the court today to support Gordon Ross.  He has been very clear that he has no plans to end his life and is in no way suicidal.  Gordon is severely disabled and needs help with the simplest of tasks most of us take for granted.  He is seeking clarification of Scots Law to learn if, should his circumstances deteriorate further, anyone who assisted him would face prosecution for helping him end his life.   Gordon has the full support of his family and friends who, although they want him to live as long as possible, understand how life could become unbearable for him in the future.”

Gordon Ross said: “I believe that, as a disabled person, I am currently being discriminated against.  Anyone else, in any circumstances, can choose to end their own lives at any time.  Because of my disability that is something I am unable to do.  I do not wish to end my life, I want it to go on as long as I can.  However, if my condition deteriorates to the point that I do want to take that action, I want to know what action the law might were someone to assist me.” 

“The present legal situation actually encourages suicide amongst those with conditions such as mine and means people might choose to take their own life before they would otherwise want to because they know they won’t be able to in future.  Ending life early in such circumstances is tragic and the law should not be putting up barriers to prevent people from living longer.  I hope the Court will consider this and compel the Lord Advocate to issue guidance, as exists in England, as to what support can or cannot be given to people in situations such as mine.”