Within the past two weeks we have witnessed the British government signalling a move towards recognising or perhaps even looking sideways in the cases of those who assist in other people’s suicide.
In England this has culminated in prosecutors suggesting that in genuine cases those involved are unlikely to be charged.
This week an Australian quadraplegic who had asked courts down under to allow him to starve himself to death, died after his request was upheld.
This is not a case of assisted suicide but rather recognition of a person’s right to decide when they end their own lives. A dramatic departure from the past.
This no doubt can lead to all kinds of abuse where those charged with murder try to claim that the victim requested assistance with his or her suicide.
In the case of Brett Kebble it purportedly was/is suggested by some that this was indeed the case.
No doubt those involved in making and enforcing the laws of the UK, Australia and South Africa would consider the method used in killing Kebble a total departure from what is contemplated in the case of recognised assisted suicide.
It needs to be remembered that very few countries, none of those set out above, have recognised assisted suicide as yet. Where I suggest “recognised’ assisted suicide I am of course referring to the case being made out for accepting this.
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