Donegal native loses High Court challenge to ban on assisted suicide

Donegal native Marie Fleming has lost her landmark High Court action challenging the ban on assisted suicide.
The 58 year old who is paralysed and in the final stages of multiple sclerosis wants the right to end her life without fear her family or partner will be prosecuted should they assist her.
Holding her partner Tom Curran’s hand Marie Fleming fought back tears as it became clear she’d lost her case to end her life at a time of her choosing.
The 3 judge divisional court described the mother of two as the most remarkable witness and said her courage in adversity is humbling and inspiring before explaining why they would not overturn the ban on assisted suicide.
The court says it cannot agree that the current legislation from 1993 amounts to a disproportionate interference with Marie Fleming’s constitutional right to personal autonomy in medical matters.
President Nicholas Kearns said if the court could tailor-make a solution for her needs alone it would but it must have regard to ample evidence suggesting a relaxation of the ban would be inimical to the public interest in protecting the most vulnerable members of society who may avail of this option to avoid being a burden to others.
She’s also lost her bid to have the DPP give guidelines on when it would prosecute in such cases.
Marie Fleming is expected to appeal the case to the Supreme Court.