Life campaigners to speak at assisted suicide appeal

The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) has been granted leave to intervene at the House of Lords in the case of Mrs Diane Pretty's request for assisted suicide. Mrs Pretty, who is terminally-ill, is seeking an assurance from the Director of Public Prosecutions that her husband will not be prosecuted if he helps her commit suicide. She lost her case in the High Court, but was given leave last week to appeal before the House of Lords. Paul Tully, general secretary of SPUC, said: "Those backing Mrs Pretty are determined to undermine the right to life of severely disabled people in order to promote the cause of medical killing. It is vital that this case is seen in the wider context of the pressures which might be brought to bear on handicapped people to opt for death." SPUC's submission will be made in writing on or before this Friday. The case will be heard next Wednesday and Thursday, 14 and 15 November.