Judge refuses application to end life of semi-comatose patient

The anti-euthanasia groups ALERT and Distant Voices have welcomed the ruling by Mr Justice Baker in the Court of Protection that a brain-damaged, minimally-conscious woman, known as M, should not be allowed to be dehydrated and starved to death.

The judge rejected an application by M’s sister and partner who claimed that the death of the patient, who suffered severe brain damage as a result of contracting viral encephalitis in 2003, would be in her best interests.

M has shown some sign of awareness and Mr Justice Baker noted that even in her condition she was able to enjoy “some positive experiences”.

Nikki Kenward, who found Distant Voices after she experienced being locked in for nearly a year, said that the judge was right in deciding that such patients have a right to life.

“Before we all breathe a sigh of relief it’s worth remembering that the likes of senior doctors and their followers, who apparently see these vulnerable lives as ‘inappropriate’ will certainly carry on in whatever way they can to save the NHS the paltry amounts it cost to care for such people,”, said Mrs Kenward.

“ Since I was one of these ‘inappropriate’ lives the simple fact that I’m making this statement might act as a warning to all those who care nothing for the value of all lives.

“It might act as a warning to those of us who are sure they wouldn’t want to live if they were like her, because until it’s you, you simply wouldn’t know.

“So how then would your family know? Would they be like M’s family refusing to let her go out or have her hair done, or have pictures in her room? The truth is they wouldn’t know what you would choose and if you think you could trust them with your life, this new life, you’re either a fool or an optimist.

“Take your pick but you’d better hope there’s someone out there willing to fight for your right to live.”

The full judgment can be read here:

www.judiciary.gov.uk/Resources/JCO/Documents/Judgments/w-v-m-s-nhs-primary-care-trust-28092011.pdf