Health

Disabled British Man ‘Devastated and Heartbroken’ Over Court Denying Him the ‘Right to Die’

Tony Nicklinson With Locked in Syndrome Pleading for Right to Die Rejected by High Court

Caretakers help Tony Nicklinson at his home as he prepares for a statement to be read out regarding the decision made by High Court judges not to allow him to ask a doctor to end his life. (Photo: Matt Cardy/Getty Images)

LONDON (TheBlaze/AP) — Seven years ago, a British man suffered a stroke that left his mind completely intact but physically unable to move. Earlier this year, he began to legally seek the right to end his life, but Britain’s High Court rejected this plea Thursday, maintaining the country’s law regarding euthanasia.

TheBlaze has been following the story of Tony Nicklinson who since his 2005 stroke requires constant care and communicates mostly by blinking. Nicklinson’s condition is not terminal.

In January, the 58-year-old asked the High Court to declare that any doctor who kills him with his consent will not be charged with murder.

The High Court ruled that challenges from Nicklinson and another man named only as Martin to allow others to help them die without being prosecuted were a matter for Parliament to decide.

Tony Nicklinson With Locked in Syndrome Pleading for Right to Die Rejected by High Court

(Photo: Matt Cardy/Getty Images)

Nicklinson said he was “devastated and heartbroken” and planned to appeal the decision.

“I am saddened that the law wants to condemn me to a life of increasing indignity and misery,” he said in a statement.

Martin, 47, also has locked-in syndrome and asked for the court to allow professionals to help him die either by withholding food and water or by helping him go to a clinic in Switzerland to die. His wife said she respects his wishes, but does not want to help kill him.

Locked-in syndrome is a rare neurological disorder where patients are completely paralyzed, and only able to blink. Patients are conscious and don’t have any intellectual problems, but they are unable to speak or move.

The judges wrote that they were both “tragic cases,“ but said to allow euthanasia as a possible defense to murder ”would usurp the proper role of Parliament.”

Nicklinson had argued that British law violated his right to “private and family life” as guaranteed by the European Convention on Human Rights, on the grounds that being able to choose how to die is a matter of personal autonomy. He has previously described his life as “a living nightmare.”

Legal experts weren’t surprised by the ruling.

“This is a really slippery case,” said Richard Huxtable, deputy director of the Ethics in Medicine department at Bristol University. “Although the courts have been willing to look at guidance around assisted suicide, this is about as far as they have been willing to go.

“The feeling seems to be that only Parliament could give adequate thought to what sort of law should be in place and the safeguards required.”

In Europe, only Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands allow euthanasia. Switzerland allows assisted suicide and is the only country that helps foreigners die at a clinic near Zurich.

“It’s very clear courts are unwilling to make the radical shift in our understanding of murder by allowing euthanasia,” said Arthur Caplan, director of medical ethics at New York University’s Langone Medical Center.

“But they did leave a small door open for prosecutorial discretion,” he said, pointing out the judges acknowledged that the decision to prosecute people who helped others to die were not always straightforward.

Britain‘s top prosecutor has previously said that people who help loved ones commit suicide won’t necessarily be charged with murder.

Caplan said the British cases were a major departure from past euthanasia debates because neither man is terminally ill.

“Most of the cases which triggered legislation in the past were about dying people and their quality of life,” he said. “We will see more of these discussions as people live longer and we decide what to do about those who are severely impaired.”

Nicklinson said he hoped the courts would grant him another hearing later this year. Experts said he could take his case to the Supreme Court or to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg.

Comments (108)

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  • Cesium
    Posted on August 17, 2012 at 2:18pm

    @jackthetoad… “i’m sure if it hit me, I wouldn’t want to die” You have no clue what you’re talking about… You are mistaken… strap yourself to a chair in a room alone… don’t move for 7 days… Don’t get up to do anything..don’t twitch a finger! If you have to go to the bathroom you have someone else either move your limp body to the bathroom or collect your excrement. It‘s so easy for people with physical faculties to think god runs their lives and that they would still want to live but for the guy sitting in a chair unable to do anything other than blink I don’t think he holds much of an opinion of your savior that you love so much as you’re pushing your shopping cart around, and making love to your spouse later. I guess by religious accounts this guys father was a real bad dude.

    Report Post »  
    • 4truth2all
      Posted on August 17, 2012 at 2:44pm

      Yo Cesium:

      By our “religious accounts” .. we know as the book of Job would tell us that one can not nor should not see the afflictions of another because of themselves or their father or grandfathers sins.

      Sins being passed on has to do with learned behavior … son is a drug dealer because the father is. I hope this helps with the truth …
      God is not in the business of watching people suffer for His enjoyment

      Report Post »  
    • Heb4Seven
      Posted on August 17, 2012 at 3:13pm

      Must Read: http://www.emaxhealth.com/1275/what-als-disease-stephen-hawking-defied

      Must See: (Scroll down a bit to and Watch Video)
      http://news.brown.edu/pressreleases/2012/05/braingate2

      Report Post »  
    • lukerw
      Posted on August 17, 2012 at 3:43pm

      FREEDOM means… You have the Right to Choose… for Good or Bad!

      This would not be a Problem… if Honorable Gentlemen still were in Power!

      Report Post » lukerw  
    • Cesium
      Posted on August 17, 2012 at 4:41pm

      @4truth Not everyone can be expected to be held to the virtues of the fable of Job… and in my years of well thought out view, God is not in the business of doing anything because most likely he does not exist. If he does exist you are right except I have studied the bible and he has no problem with people suffering. I‘m not really impressed by Jesus’s suffering either. What a sham.. big deal you were strung up on a cross, but you’re god Mr. Jesus, so how do I know the pain was that bad? especially the fear since you know whats up in the universe.. Jesus dying for my sins doesn’t not impress me one bit. A real human doing it would be different.

      Report Post »  
    • lukerw
      Posted on August 17, 2012 at 4:55pm

      @CESIUM
      I go with the group that supports that GOD gave us FreeWill… where in the presence of GOD all would be Slaves to HIS Will!

      Christians are Not Saved by the Sacrifice of Christ… but by the New Covenant!

      Opinions; Opinions…

      Report Post » lukerw  
    • Cesium
      Posted on August 17, 2012 at 5:02pm

      @LukeRW if we certainly have free will, why is it there is evidence of twins separated at birth that made many of the same choices despite being in different places having never known one another… They may have thought their choice was free but the story suggests otherwise. just the fact this happened is argument against the simple assumption of god lovers. I‘m not saying we don’t have free will but I would check your certainty on that at the church door. http://lornareiko.wordpress.com/2009/10/08/identical-twins-who-were-separated-at-birth-what-are-they-like/

      Report Post »  
    • 4truth2all
      Posted on August 18, 2012 at 8:30am

      Yo Cesium:

      There is much to correct you on here but I do run late. I will say this … Jesus was fully man he felt the same pain and emotions as us. This is the reason he prayed in the garden of Gethsemane. He was not all happy about what he was going to have to suffer. So, you should now be impressed. You came into my mind last night at a moment when I woke up, so I prayed for you and the many other atheists on this site, and I’m sure that I am not alone on this site in my prayers… Good day

      Report Post »  
    • Cesium
      Posted on August 18, 2012 at 3:47pm

      yo 4truth2all if I’m (anonymous blazer) coming into your mind, you must feel some type of disturbance by the alternative ideas I put forth. bothered by your confidence in your position. I’m sure prayer rectifies the disruption to “wishful thinking” that is the basis for faith but I would prefer instead of praying for anyone, use that moment to demand of yourself something you can physically do for others. If you must pray, don’t pray for the atheist on the computer living in the wealthy country. I don’t pray I “do.” Instead immediately switch your prayer to the ones god left for dead in third world countries for example, or those who have been at the sht end of the evolutionary lottery like this guy in the story. … even though it would better if you physically go to those third world countries or give your money to them… back to the logic..if Jesus knew he was god, maybe yes he would not be looking forward to the physical torture, but he knew the outcome.. he had no fear. fear is more of a factor in pain and injury than the actual pain and injury. Jesus knew when it was over there would be an “after.” humans don’t know that, this is why it’s called faith (wishful thinking). If I was to be mangled and tortured to death, I would be a lot less upset knowing I’d come out unscathed. It would suck but still.. Also please explain why Jesus asks himself why he has forsaken himself? It makes 0 sense to me.

      Report Post »  
    • 4truth2all
      Posted on August 18, 2012 at 4:59pm

      Yo Cesium:

      On my supper break and working a long day so I have little time. I WILL answer further tomorrow. To know someone you have to have a relationship with them. It is obvious that you do not have one with God, as you do not understrand a lot of His ways. Please do not take this as an insult, it is in no way meant to be. I only spoke the truth to you according to scripture …why would that bother me? I thought of you because I believe this is the Holy Spirit ( with good reason). Whenever something or someone comes into my mind I always say a prayer.

      I gave up substancial income (my own business) to become a director of an after school youth program for teens. I give 10% of my income and would like to go on a missions trip. Many christians are not just talk. Are you sure that you do not speak from the high horse?

      I do not consider my faith wishful thinking and do look forward to my life after I die and it does cause a person to not be fearful of death.

      Jesus did not forsake Himself … The Father turned away from Him … the 24 a day connection was severed because of the sin that was put apon Jesus … your sins and my sins … I hope this helps …out of time, thanks for your reply and good day.

      Report Post »  
  • loneindividual
    Posted on August 17, 2012 at 2:13pm

    I feel like a knock knock joke.

    Knock Knock
    Who’s there
    The guy who will knock you
    Thank God
    Who says he sent me. ;)
    Oh…….OH ****!
    I didn’t mean it like that…

    Report Post » loneindividual  
  • Doova
    Posted on August 17, 2012 at 1:19pm

    We treat our pets better than we treat humans. When beloved pets are suffering with great pain, we humanly help them pass away to the other side. But we expect our human companions to suffer through intense pain until natural death settles in. This is wrong! Euthanasia as a personal choice needs to be honored and a legal choice!

    Report Post » Doova  
    • Melika
      Posted on August 17, 2012 at 4:10pm

      Pets aren’t people, no matter how much we may love them. It would be a terrible mistake if we based this issue and these decisions on how we treat our “pets”. I wish people like you would leave your pets out of this – there is no equivocation. And before you start crying about how I’m a pro-lifer or some other religious nonsense, allow me to say I’d let this guy kill himself. This debate, and this man, deserve more than the “I’d kill my dog if he were like this guy” mentality.

      Report Post »  
    • HoratiusAtTheBridge
      Posted on August 17, 2012 at 9:58pm

      Man, gotta go to the hardware store to find a tool like MaLEAKY(diaper) there with all that whining. READ the comment all the way through. It says what you said about the individual and their choice. The point is that people will cut an animal loose – BECAUSE as you observe – they aren’t people – but the humanity factor causes the same people to refuse to let a human have the same relief. Plus, a dog or cat can’t “choose” to end the suffering. Neither can some people as in this case.

      Report Post »  
  • JACKTHETOAD
    Posted on August 17, 2012 at 1:17pm

    Pray the Lord gives this man a soul vaccination and the will to live with dignity. I‘m trying to put myself in his shoes and it’s tough as I sit here typing ready to get a load out of the washer. Stephen Hawkins seems to be coping pretty well. I‘m sure if it hit me I still wouldn’t wanna die. You gotta keep on keepin’ on no matter what. The bright side I’d look for is the advance of medical technology, and the hope for release from my malady.

    Report Post » JACKTHETOAD  
    • Wango
      Posted on August 17, 2012 at 1:45pm

      That’s how you feel. But that’s not how he feels. Do you want to decide for him or should he make his own decision?

      Report Post » Wango  
    • Cesium
      Posted on August 17, 2012 at 2:09pm

      All that “the Lord” will do is nothing! It is so easy for a believer to judge and speak of how wonderful life is in Jesus name yada yada yada, as they speak from their salubrious high horse, able to walk and lift their arms. This is the foundation of life, “movement,“ ”mobility,“ ”control,” and this man is the extreme example of losing it by nothing other than natural causes. god let this happen to him.. I was willing to believe in the fairy tails too when I had my health. The religious can yap all they want about the sanctity of life but what kind of life does this guy have? There is no god to save him in the past or now! The hours I’ve spent in isolation over my illness were only remedied due to the fact I can walk outside when i feel better. He can’t. That’s when I realized no god would come to do anything. if i didn’t have my legs or family, I’d be in a room by myself till I die. nothing supernatural ever came to help me. If he didn’t have family, he’d be in a room in that wheel chair until he died of starvation. No god, no angles, would come to put food in his stomach.. Try it sometime.. see how long you do in a room alone for a whole day without moving, no tv, no radio, no phone, don‘t let anyone know you’re there.. see how long it is before you go crazy. The only reason anyone can get up and do something in “gods will” is because they have their ******* legs!!!

      Report Post »  
    • 4truth2all
      Posted on August 17, 2012 at 3:03pm

      Yo Cesium:

      God does not promise to save us from trials and tribulations. He promises His grace to get us through them in such a way as to be honoring to Him. Blessing comes through this honoring.

      True christians do not speak from a horse … they speak from humility and the knowledge of Christ in a way that is “above” the ways of the world. We hope that others would come to this knowledge also. It does not benefit me if you do … it benefits you!

      I am sorry to hear of your “troubles” …I have had and have and will have my own … I got VERY close to shaking my fist at God because of them, and then realized that my troubles from whatever source were meant to bring me closer to God to drive me away, that he REALLY did have my best interest in His “heart”.

      Stop listening to the enemy tell you God is mean … He is not !!!
      For the evil I have done I should be dead.
      I am not … because He is good.

      Report Post »  
    • JACKTHETOAD
      Posted on August 17, 2012 at 3:10pm

      WANGO – Of course that’s how I feel. It’s a subjective thing, these posts. He, and anyone else, are free to do as they see fit with their lives. The above post is how I’d make the call.

      CESIUM – I’m sorry you were so sick. I’m glad you pulled thru.I think you should rejoice in that too.

      Report Post » JACKTHETOAD  
    • 4truth2all
      Posted on August 17, 2012 at 3:27pm

      Yo Cesium:

      Meant to say …NOT drive me away … my apologies … makes a big difference when just a few letters are missing does it not ?,,,,,,,,,,,, makes a big difference when Gods word is misunderstood.
      This mistake was no mistake …!

      Report Post »  
    • Melika
      Posted on August 17, 2012 at 4:05pm

      Do Cesium, what you are telling us all is, you are in the “I hate God” stage of your new found atheism and your previous understanding of “God” was that he would fix all of your problems, not let anything bad happen to you if you were good enough, and only bad things happened to bad and undeserving people – like what kids think of God. Interesting.

      Report Post »  
    • Cesium
      Posted on August 17, 2012 at 4:54pm

      @melika I never said I believed god would fix all my problems, I said i was willing to believe in the fairy tails when I was going about my healthy life because it was easy to not think about it. If god does exist, there is no reason for me to assume this god is what we describe as “good.“ As I have studied the torah and bible througout myself I see a whole lot of ”mishegas” (as my jewish great grand parents would say) for nothing. The way god goes about dishing out his love and hate in those fables, is quintessentially childlike and you accuse me of thinking of god like i’m a kid? Even moses needed to calm down ole temper tantrum.. The philosophy of the historical Jesus was a new paradigm but I don‘t believe he was god and I’ve never seen clear evidence he actually existed for real other than as a legend of which humans have always had many.

      Report Post »  
    • Git-R-Done
      Posted on August 18, 2012 at 12:35am

      Cesium – That’s b/c you have messed up versions of what love and hate are.

      Report Post »  
    • Cesium
      Posted on August 18, 2012 at 3:51pm

      @Git-R-Done. You can have that opinion about me but that’s all it is. “Hate the belief, not the believer”

      Report Post »  
  • elgee
    Posted on August 17, 2012 at 1:03pm

    Having worked with a patient with locked in syndrome, it is an unimaginable way to live.( Although some people with this do manage to continue to desire to live and learn and teach those around them).. These people do not have the ability to move at all. Blinking their eyes is their only method of communication. Imagine blinking out yes or no or letters every time you want something or are in pain or uncomfortable or just want to express your feelings and needs.. Imagine the frustration and boredom of never being able to communicate freely, move at all, while your mind and intellect is completely normal. We cannot even imagine the prison he is locked inside. I would guess he has been pumped full of antidepressants and had therapy during the past 7 years.. It is your soul that lives eternally, not your body. None of us escape bodily death. The government has no right projecting their collective fear of death on anyone in his situation. It is discriminatory, because any able-bodied person can end their life for any reason they choose (generally much less than this) at any time. This is between him, his family, and God. He needs our prayers, not our judgments.

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    • Cesium
      Posted on August 17, 2012 at 2:20pm

      god certainly isn’t helping him if he has come to the decision to kill himself after all this time!!!

      Report Post »  
    • Tigress1
      Posted on August 17, 2012 at 2:31pm

      Don’t just assume the man was treated for depression. Sometimes the most obvious causes/solutions are never addressed. That issue can easily slip through the cracks in medical facilities. For example, many patients are assumed to have Alzheimer’s Disease, but symptoms of Dementia can be caused by many different things, some of which are reversible. Although medical facilities are improving in this area, there are still places that completely ignore the psychological status of patients, instead solely focusing on the physical.

      http://www.emedicinehealth.com/dementia_overview/page2_em.htm

      Report Post » Tigress1  
    • Cesium
      Posted on August 17, 2012 at 2:38pm

      I unexpectedly have had a glimpse into what this feels like. When I was healthy it was so easy to see life as full of possibility and opportunity..and god loves me etc etc.. but once I came down with a severe chronic digestive illness that many times had me spending days and weekends laying down alone in a room for hours on end with no one around as time passed by and life passed by, I knew that if I never moved, I would be there forever and no supernatural force would come to do anything. It’s only because I still have the rest of my bodily faculties that I can fight against my illness and try to have a life but it is a shell of the life that I once had. People with their health are foolish to think they are blessed by some divine interaction. What about this guy hmmm? he is lesser than than anyone else? “Aww poor guy God bless him..” I doubt that’s what he is thinking about god.

      Report Post »  
    • JustPeachy
      Posted on August 17, 2012 at 10:43pm

      @Cessium, not all of us react to severe illness as you have. I’ve been down a long and very difficult road. I can say now that I am doing better–and I am actively also seeking ways to help my body regain strength and health. I know I am fortunate to be able to finally come out another side to what was once a very dark place.

      But in my case it was my faith that brought me through. Even when no one else was around (and I spent many many hours alone in a room, too), He was. You may think me crazy. That’s fine. I have a relationship with my God, my Creator, my Lord and my Savior. And He WAS there to help–perhaps not immediately or exactly as I would have liked at the time, but I think I‘m a better person for what I’ve gone thru-more compassionate, more THANKFUL, stronger–and my faith only grew as did my love for God.

      I don’t know what is up ahead. None of us do. But I’m more determined now to live the rest of my life–to make it count. I take better care of myself now so I can better serve Him and others.

      You sound bitter. That’s sad. But not all of us choose that road.

      Report Post » JustPeachy  
    • Cesium
      Posted on August 18, 2012 at 4:08pm

      @justpeachy.. Well in the same sense.. Atheism is getting me through this… It is my lack of faith in god and my inner desire to get better than keeps me going. I don’t expect an after life or reward or punishment, I got one shot at what I have left in my life and the faculties I have left to improve. I’m not waiting for no god to come through on me. He had is chance, I don’t care what bibles say, I hold him accountable now. This is my youth we are talking about. Gods time has ticked out! I don’t do tests beyond academics. This is why the religious make the essentially atheist phrase “god helps those who help themselves.” Really this means no god is there to help and if religious actually believed god helped, that phrase would not exist. Even if he exists he ain’t doin nothing. I am fated to the chaos in this universe like everyone else. I don’t expect special treatment for having faith. Many people with lots of faith have fallen and many people with no faith have risen.. it means nothing. I don’t deal with faith. don’t care about it.. I only care about the loneliness one experiences when finding themselves to be a rare entity in this country.. “A conservative atheist” So when I’m stuck inside and have a moment to go on the blaze, I can bark at either religious conservatives or commie liberals who are both wrong on so many levels it is entertaining.

      Report Post »  
  • Auntie izlam
    Posted on August 17, 2012 at 1:01pm

    My heart breaks for this man. He has the right to decide when it’s time to go. Nobody has the right to foist their religious beliefs on another person. Nobody has the right to dictate the terms of his death. It’s his choice and should be honored if it is proven that he is of sound mind.

    In a perfect world, all those who believe they have the right to tell someone that they must endure suffering until death, should have to experience it themselves.

    Report Post »  
  • NILAP
    Posted on August 17, 2012 at 12:54pm

    God will not judge this man. God will judge those who keep him alive in his condition where he must suffer indignities everyday. God will welcome this man into his kingdom.

    Report Post » NILAP  
    • 4truth2all
      Posted on August 17, 2012 at 1:17pm

      Please provide scripture (God’s Word) for your statement …thank you

      Report Post »  
    • Wango
      Posted on August 17, 2012 at 1:46pm

      Not everybody requires a scripture to believe it so.

      Report Post » Wango  
    • TheBronxBomber
      Posted on August 17, 2012 at 1:51pm

      Hmm. Commandment #6 I believe says “You shall not kill”. Doesn’t matter the situation. You just can’t kill someone. It’s a terrible situation, but you still can’t kill someone.

      Report Post » TheBronxBomber  
    • Lothmar
      Posted on August 17, 2012 at 2:24pm

      Sorry bronx – I believe there is or should be some general flexibility for the not killing commandment.

      I mean afterall, if we cant eat we die too and practically everything we eat is alive in some manner.

      Not comparing vegetables to vegetables though. (sorry)

      Report Post »  
    • 4truth2all
      Posted on August 17, 2012 at 3:10pm

      Yo Wango:

      If one wants to speak on behalf of God, then one should know what God says, otherwise you speak on behalf of yourself, claiming to speak on behalf of God … and that, God would state is foolishness or worse!
      If you know everything, how come you do not know this simple principle.

      Report Post »  
    • 4truth2all
      Posted on August 17, 2012 at 3:17pm

      Yo Lothmar:

      Not sure where you get you gettin from

      Thou shall not MURDER is the correct writing. KILL is not the word used. Killing an animal for food is OK. Killing an animal that is trying to make me food is OK. Killing someone who is trying to murder my family is OK …OK

      Report Post »  
    • Wango
      Posted on August 17, 2012 at 3:38pm

      NOTERUTHFORU . . .You assume everything God thinks or says is written down in some book, your book, and nobody else’s book. Presumptuous, wouldn’t you say?

      Report Post » Wango  
    • Wango
      Posted on August 17, 2012 at 3:38pm

      BRONXBOMBER . .. So, no death penalty, right?

      Report Post » Wango  
    • 4truth2all
      Posted on August 17, 2012 at 4:41pm

      Yo Gowang:

      Do you find belittling people with your name changes builds you up.
      What you call presumptious I call truth, do you not presume it is not … is that then not presumptuous on your part? Futher, I was refering only to the bible in this instance. Seems you may be a little ,,, ah, what’s the word ….

      Report Post »  
  • COFemale
    Posted on August 17, 2012 at 12:50pm

    This is a tough one. I can sympathize with the guys wishes, what is the point in not being able to move or do anything; your life is gone. I think in situations like this the person should be able to make this decision, not some high court. His choosing death is between him and God. However, it appears he may not have a relationship with God and that is sad.

    So people can euthanize their dogs or cats when they are suffering, but heaven forbid we can’t put man who has no mobility or chance of a normal life out of his misery? We can kill babies in the womb under pro-choice, yet an adult has no pro-choice to decide he doesn’t want to live under his current conditions. What are the percentages from recovery of his stroke? 10% 30% 5%. These are not great odds. Let the man decide. He can reconcile with God when the time comes. Even God is a compassionate entity.

    Report Post » COFemale  
    • SerikFox
      Posted on August 17, 2012 at 1:09pm

      Based on what I know about conditions similar to this, his odds are far less than that. A lot of my family either was or is medical. (Two aunts, mother and grandmother, brother, and to some extent my sister). As far as I know, his chances of recovery are about as close to 0% as you can get.

      Keeping people alive for long periods while severely suffering is typically known as torture. Apparently, to the British, it isn’t.

      Report Post »  
  • jmartinsain
    Posted on August 17, 2012 at 12:50pm

    ObamaCare would’ve taken care of his problem a long time ago…..

    Report Post »  
    • chips1
      Posted on August 18, 2012 at 7:58am

      There are many Obama doctors that don’t have a problem killing someone. The problem is that medical school teachers how to keep people alive. Why don’t the liberals start a school to teach minions how to kill? Just don’t call them doctors. It’s not a mix and match thing.

      Report Post »  
  • adeleeeee
    Posted on August 17, 2012 at 12:40pm

    Mr. Nicklinson, you can live with dignity but you make yourself into a shame. So blame yourself and keep living in a miserable life… so that might help you to see the Creator sooner than ever. But before your wish come true, you still have time not to become a human waste…

    Report Post » adeleeeee  
    • Auntie izlam
      Posted on August 17, 2012 at 12:47pm

      You’re the “shame” here but probably too stupid to realize it.

      Report Post »  
    • COFemale
      Posted on August 17, 2012 at 12:54pm

      What the F is wrong with you? You are a disgusting human. Remember this day, when you become like Mr. Nicholson and you are made to live in your condition until natural death.

      Report Post » COFemale  
    • 4truth2all
      Posted on August 17, 2012 at 12:56pm

      He lost the function of his body

      you lost the function of your “heart”

      you might want to recheck the requirements for eternity… doesn’t seem you got the right “papers”!

      Report Post »  
    • Doova
      Posted on August 17, 2012 at 1:21pm

      I will pray for you ADELEEEE, you are in need.

      Report Post » Doova  
  • joboww
    Posted on August 17, 2012 at 12:40pm

    Seems like a Lt. Dan case, someone needs to be his Forrest Gump

    Report Post » joboww  
    • chips1
      Posted on August 18, 2012 at 8:15am

      He should have eaten more shrimp. There is fried shrimp, broiled shrimp, pepermint shrimp……..

      Report Post »  
  • ChevalierdeJohnstone
    Posted on August 17, 2012 at 12:20pm

    What exactly is so difficult about dying? Everybody manages it eventually. Even whiny pathetic losers like this guy. Why does he need “help”? If he wants to sin in that manner let him go ahead and get it over with on his own.

    Report Post »  
    • Auntie izlam
      Posted on August 17, 2012 at 12:49pm

      He can‘t move or don’t you know how to read? Every person has the right to die with dignity and only that person should make the decision when the time is right, not you, not me, and certainly not the church or some politician.

      Report Post »  
    • manandwolf
      Posted on August 17, 2012 at 1:05pm

      is he just going to hold his breath?

      Report Post » manandwolf  
    • Doova
      Posted on August 17, 2012 at 1:25pm

      You are a very judgmental person.

      Report Post » Doova  
  • watashbuddyfriend
    Posted on August 17, 2012 at 12:08pm

    Let him Die with Dignity!

    Report Post »  
  • termyt
    Posted on August 17, 2012 at 11:44am

    “or help him go to Switzerland.”

    Get on a boat, dude. Why is it the gov’s responsibility to help you go to a foreign country to kill yourself? The issue here isn’t whether or not he can kill himself – he‘s asking for the gov’s blessing.

    Just go do it, man.

    And more of this “let me starve to death” garbage. You really want to die that way? It’s more dignified to spend a few days in agony starving to death? If it’s ever determined I need to be euthanized, please have the dignity and fortitude to shoot me.

    Report Post »  
    • Auntie izlam
      Posted on August 17, 2012 at 12:51pm

      He can‘t move and his wife won’t help him and since he has no magic conservative wand he’s asking for help.

      Report Post »  
  • woodyee
    Posted on August 17, 2012 at 11:27am

    “Earlier this year, he began to legally seek the right to end his life, but Britain’s High Court rejected this plea Thursday, maintaining the country’s law regarding euthanasia.”

    God bless this man. And a curse on the media for reporting this as a “right” to die case. If he can eat, he can starve himself. Why go to court for “permission”? Is he afraid his dead carcass will be jailed for murder? Is the State “mandated” to force feed a man who doesn’t want to eat? If not, let him starve himself and we’ll see just how much he really wants to die.

    He’s going to court because A) he’s afraid to die and wants someone else to do him in or B) he wants to be a martyr for the “right” to die cause. JMHO…

    Report Post » woodyee  
    • woodyee
      Posted on August 17, 2012 at 11:33am

      OR…

      C) he’s relishing the attention.

      Report Post » woodyee  
    • Rajabear1
      Posted on August 17, 2012 at 12:07pm

      Could it be that it is possibly to protect his caregivers that might be held responsible for his death since they would have complete physical control of his eating habits? Maybe British law dictates or is convoluted in this aspect as they, the caregivers, would be essentially complicit in in his death since he cannot physically control himself? I have no clue of their laws and such, but I would venture to guess that the ‘legal’ caregivers, by law, have to insure to his well being and not matter what he dictates as his will/wishes, would be charged with at worst murder, or best negligence?
      I can‘t see why he would be doing this for his personal ’permission’ to die–for cripes sake, he’d be dead, but to give legal cover for his caregivers that would still be alive.

      Report Post »  
    • stumpy68
      Posted on August 17, 2012 at 12:22pm

      If all he can do is blink he likely has a feeding tube
      or if he is able to swallow baby food some one
      would have to stop feeding him which would
      leave them open to prosecution.

      Report Post » stumpy68  
  • Jezreel
    Posted on August 17, 2012 at 11:13am

    I hope that in the meantime, God sends him a godly messenger to give him a message of salvation before he dies. He is lucky that they said no but does not realize it. May we pray that God works on his heart in the meantime to open it up to the truth of salvation. I would sure hate to die unsaved.

    Report Post »  
  • Obamujahadeen
    Posted on August 17, 2012 at 11:07am

    “Locked-in syndrome is a rare neurological disorder where patients are completely paralyzed, and only able to blink. Patients are conscious and don’t have any intellectual problems, but they are unable to speak or move.”

    I have MS, have had it for 16 years since I was 32 and this is where THAT usually ends up, in a bed ridden existence entirely dependent on others to take care of the most basic functions. Richard Pryor died from complications from MS for an example of how bad it can get, although I’m “ONLY” crippled right now, I still work and despise everything this O administration stands for and also work FREE every day beating down ignorance from the Obama community regarding these issues.

    Look how ignorant they were about Ann Romney’s horse therapy, a great thing for mostly people who cannot walk correctly due to MS. It somehow invigorates the girdle area of the human body and is a well known effective therapy for MS which mostly women utilize because men don’t fit so comfortably on horses any MAN will tell you for obvious reasons. But that doesn‘t mean it’s not very effective for those who do.

    When it comes to euthanasia, all I can say is I‘m headed down this road and where I sit now it’s not an option, but then again I never thought having a paralyzed left leg for really no reason I caused was either. Nor does it seem I’ll need a full time caregiver but who knows. When that day comes, I’ll have to address it. Those not ill cannot.

    Report Post » Obamujahadeen  
    • HorseCrazy
      Posted on August 17, 2012 at 11:36am

      I too have ms with a side of ibd and ra. my body is weak, I am able to work and farm and do the things I love, I will be praying for this man, for a change of heart. my mother and I discussed my wishes the other day, sad really since we should be discussing her end of life plans and not my own, I am only 32 with a young child. My plan is this, even if I cannot speak or cannot move, I know that just seeing the people who I love so dearly will give me the will to continue on and I save for that day as to never be a burden to my loved ones. death by human is not my plan it is death by God’s timing. I will be praying for you as well remain strong in your fight and I love the fact we may have a first lady who will advocate for ms and the other silent invisible diseases. God bless

      Report Post »  
    • IMCHRISTIAN
      Posted on August 17, 2012 at 11:49am

      My heart and prayers is for all that are hurt by illness or whatever their affliction may be. Oba and Hor my thoughts and prayers are with you my new friends.

      Report Post »  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on August 17, 2012 at 12:00pm

      Obamujahadeen

      Look how ignorant they were about Ann Romney’s horse therapy, a great thing for mostly people who cannot walk correctly due to MS. It somehow invigorates the girdle area of the human body and is a well known effective therapy for MS which mostly women utilize
      ***

      Great Post. Say it often & loudly!

      Report Post »  
    • 4truth2all
      Posted on August 17, 2012 at 1:06pm

      May the LORD rain down His grace apon you, may you see that trail and follow it

      Dying with dignity is actually how you live until you die.

      I do not know nor concern myself of my tomorrows I only know NOW…

      peace to you though Christ …

      Report Post »  
  • Tom K
    Posted on August 17, 2012 at 11:03am

    He could move to America, be the first to sign up for Obama Care and the “death panel ” would “ take him out ” for sure ! I am NOT making light of this man’s terrible situation This could happen to ANY of us. Does everyone have a living will ? Does everyone have a will ?

    Report Post »  
    • vehoae
      Posted on August 17, 2012 at 11:37am

      Equally as important, do you have Long Term Care insurance? Don’t wait until you are disabled through a stroke, disease, or accident – at which point, the average person is unable to acquire long term care insurance.

      Report Post »  
    • watashbuddyfriend
      Posted on August 17, 2012 at 12:17pm

      @ Tom K, I have a Living Will, which calls for Euthanisa, should I become unable to take care of myself. My doctors are handicapped, however, because of the ill-controlled influence of the Catholic, tying the doctors hands in ALL but one State, Oregon, and I do not live there.

      Report Post »  
  • IMCHRISTIAN
    Posted on August 17, 2012 at 11:02am

    What a sad illness to be going through this. I hope that he has the ability to say a prayer to God for guidance. I am sick thinking about his problem and have no answer. I will pray and send my love to him, his loving wife and all.

    Report Post »  
  • drattastic
    Posted on August 17, 2012 at 10:59am

    He went about this all wrong . He should have claimed he wanted to live, then they would have pushed him into a corner at the hospital and let him starve to death.

    Report Post » drattastic  
  • snowdrop
    Posted on August 17, 2012 at 10:55am

    I understand them not wanting to allow a British doctor to kill him legally, but not allowing him to go to Switzerland!!

    Do the Brits really want to pay for his full time medical care for possibly the next 20 years that badly?

    When you consider how many people are starving in the world, for lack of a few dollars a day, it is madness.

    Report Post »  
  • whatthecrazy
    Posted on August 17, 2012 at 10:53am

    Wow this is horrible,that look on his face says it all.Terri Shivo was murdered inspite of her parents attempt to keep her and take care of her and this poor man is forced to suffer.Let the man die already its none of anybodys BUISNESS except GODS and he alone will deal with it.

    Report Post »  
    • TEXASGRANNY73
      Posted on August 17, 2012 at 11:44am

      Opportunity presenting itself because I was also remembering Terri Schiavo. However it also brings memories which I think of all the time when Debbie Wasserman Schultz stood up and told us that the government should not be involved But (and I capitalize but) she herself could and did approve allowing her (seems to me she said grandmother or aunt, a relative) that person to die. Now, she helped write and pass Obamacare plan totally run by the government and she and Alan Grayson charge with an ad showing Paul Ryan pushing grandma over the cliff. Why don’t you suggest she be a spokeman for a European coming here and just like they do horses, huh? Yes, and I do feel pity for him but his mind is still active. That was the big debate about Terri Schiavo. Prayer works wonders and what is impossible with men is possible with God.

      Report Post »  
    • HoratiusAtTheBridge
      Posted on August 17, 2012 at 10:08pm

      Terri Schaivo would SMILE when her mother entered the room. The state finished what many believe her husband started with an attempted strangulation. I have read that death by dehydration is one of the most agonizing ways to die. THIS is what her “husband” was okay with? Recall that the criteria for deeming Terri to be DISPOSABLE was that SHE COULDN’T SWALLOW ON HER OWN. How many children are fed with tubes? The coming white-coated hell of socialized medicine will make the Nazis look like amateurs. I already saw a woman on (Herr) Doktor Phil, saying she should be able to kill her disabled ADULT son whom she is BURDENED with. And the black-hearted things in the audience applauded. PEOPLE: It is “legal” in OUR nation for babies to be killed inside of their mothers’ bodies. Do not even pretend that there are worse things than that.

      Report Post »  
  • blanco5
    Posted on August 17, 2012 at 10:52am

    This is where my staunch Libertarian views come in. If someone wants to kill themselves then they should be able to. THEY are the ones who have to answer to God.

    Report Post »  
    • Landon410
      Posted on August 17, 2012 at 11:22am

      I tend to agree with this statement, however the problem is this man CANNOT kill himself, well he could refuse to eat which in time would kill him.
      He is asking to allow someone else to kill him and them not be charged for it.
      This creates another problem, because if the court says “ok” to that then you have to find a Dr. willing to kill you on purpose.
      If his family has the money to ship him off to the death clinic then they should do it. England should not stand in his way of going on “vacation”

      p.s.
      for those of you that think suicide sends you to hell show me where it says that in the bible, there is only 1 unpardonable sin, and that is rejecting Christ as your savior.

      Report Post »  
    • HigherRoad
      Posted on August 17, 2012 at 11:47am

      The Sixth Commandment–”Thou Shalt Not Kill.” By asking someone else to kill him, he is causing that person to also violate this commandment. Only God can answer the question of whether sustaining someone’s life artificially is His will. If this man does not know Christ as Lord and Savior, then his life may have been prolonged to give him an opportunity to be saved. If someone is in a coma and not likely to recover, then I believe disconnecting a respirator and feeding tube is not a sin. If someone is fully cognizant, that is a different matter. God is the Author and Finisher of life.

      Report Post »  
    • Heb4Seven
      Posted on August 17, 2012 at 1:15pm

      @LANDON410: in regards to your comment – “for those of you that think suicide sends you to hell show me where it says that in the bible, there is only 1 unpardonable sin, and that is rejecting Christ as your savior.”
      Wouldn‘t ’Suicide’ be Murder? (The 6th commandment), – If one would commit murder/suicide – with no regard of what ‘God the Creator/Christ the Savior’ commands about this – wouldn‘t that be ’defiantly’ removing God from the throne of their life…ergo, ‘rejecting Christ’? One could later ‘repent’ of most sin, however, suicide leaves you little – if any – time to ‘consciously’ do so.
      Well, I suppose this could lead to the ‘Once Saved (& forgiven) Always Saved – or Not’ debate.
      Truthfully, I also believe it is between the ‘person and God’…God knows the heart.
      Also, many here are saying he could just stop eating to kill himself if he really wanted to die…Yet, if he has Caregivers, I would think, they would just feed him intravenously – which he wouldn’t be able to physically resist…I believe that is what‘s called a ’Catch 22′.

      Report Post »  
    • COFemale
      Posted on August 17, 2012 at 1:16pm

      HigherRoad I understand what you are trying to say here, but only having your brain in tack is considered life to you?

      Even God is compassionate and would not anyone to suffer unjustly. Most Christians interpret “Thous shall Not Kill” as do not murder; intentionally taking the life of someone who is not harming you. There are times when killing someone is justified by law and in God’s eyes. I think you are applying this commandment incorrectly; he is asking to die. Anybody with a heart, would not want this man to suffer a life under these conditions. Sometimes you have to balance a persons wishes and let them deal with God’s judgment.

      This is an extremely difficult and ethical decision to make. Does a person have a right to end their life when there is no hope of recovery? I say yes, but it should be done in a clinical setting.

      Report Post » COFemale  
    • Heb4Seven
      Posted on August 17, 2012 at 1:37pm

      @HIGHERROAD: That was an EXCELLENT reply!
      And even though I said “Truthfully, I also believe it is between the ‘person and God’…God knows the heart.” I DO NOT believe the Government/Laws should be brought into this. I, personally as a Born-again Christian, wouldn‘t want to take the risk of dishonoring God’s Word that way. Even if this man were already saved…by sticking around and ‘living/existing’ – it may help bring someone else, like a family member or one of the caregivers, to the LORD’.

      Report Post »  
    • HigherRoad
      Posted on August 17, 2012 at 2:19pm

      Cofemale – Look at Job. He lost everything, including his health. He even asked God why he was born. One would think that he had every reason to take his own life; yet, he trusted God and God rewarded him by healing him, restoring his possessions, and giving him more children. This is a different situation, I realize, but the point is God wants us to trust Him. Perhaps this man would be uplifted by listening to audio tapes of Scripture (particularly Psalms) and visits from family and friends. We are on a slippery slope with euthanasia. It’s too easy to slide into “mercy” as justification for eliminating life. Deueronomy 30:19: “I call heaven and earth as witness this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live.”

      Report Post »  
    • 4truth2all
      Posted on August 17, 2012 at 3:41pm

      Yo Cofemale:

      Do you over rule God ? Because you just did.
      We are not to murder is the proper interpertation. Is not suicide the murder of ones self, the taking of your own life for whatever reason?

      Also … have you not ever “suffered” unjustly. If not you sure have missed out!
      God allows it all the time … can you say Jesus

      Report Post »  
    • Cesium
      Posted on August 17, 2012 at 4:59pm

      @higheroad…” Perhaps this man would be uplifted by listening to audio tapes of Scripture (particularly Psalms)” easy for you to suggest man.. easy for you to suggest! tomorrow you won’t even be thinking about this guy as you “stroll” along with your scripture

      Report Post »  
    • HigherRoad
      Posted on August 17, 2012 at 6:29pm

      Cesium – The power of Scripture doesn’t come from me; it comes from God. That’s where we draw our strength. You are correct on one point, however. We, as Believers, should lift those up in prayer who are struggling as this man and his wife are. I hope those who know this family or live nearby will respond in love, support, and encouragement.

      Report Post »  
  • John 3:16
    Posted on August 17, 2012 at 10:49am

    He should have the right to refuse food and water if he wants to end his life. He has no right to ask or involve anyone else to assist him whether or not they are willing. People who want to die and cannot end their life through traditional self kill methods will die if they refuse water and food. He just needs to man up. Beside he may change his mind before he dies this way.

    Report Post » John 3:16  
    • kiwi4us
      Posted on August 17, 2012 at 11:06am

      John 3:16, he is probably being fed via a feeding tube surgically inserted into his stomach. He can’t physically stop them feeding him, therefore he can‘t just ’man up” where is your compassion? Perhaps three decades ago there wouldn’t have been this issue because his stroke would have killed him, but we play God and save people that pehaps were meant to die at the time of the original severe medical event. I pray that this man has another life ending stroke soon. God Bless him and his poor wife.

      Report Post »  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on August 17, 2012 at 12:07pm

      He should be able to refuse food if he is hurt that bad. Our only concern is that his family, government or a 3rd party does not shuffle him off, because he is inconvenient.

      I would tell people to hold on because tech & knowledge is rapidly evolving from genomics to everything else. If he could have a e-book reader that turned pages by though control he would have some freedom to explore the world. It would be a good start.

      They are regenerating hearts of heart attack victims (WSJ). Therapies for nerves can’t be far behind!

      Report Post »  
    • 4truth2all
      Posted on August 17, 2012 at 1:13pm

      Yo John 3:16

      Yo miss that part where …. “God so loved”

      YOU need to man up … cause you seem not to understand what a “man” is in the eyes of God.

      Report Post »  
    • lukerw
      Posted on August 17, 2012 at 5:00pm

      Why does GOD provide Heaven & Everything… to the Dead… if being Dead is BAD?

      Report Post » lukerw  
    • Cesium
      Posted on August 18, 2012 at 4:11pm

      @Luke haha who says that is true?

      Report Post »  
  • Tigress1
    Posted on August 17, 2012 at 10:43am

    It sounds like he really needs to be treated for depression. This is so sad, but he might have a little different outlook on life if he was treated.

    Report Post » Tigress1  
    • Git-R-Done
      Posted on August 18, 2012 at 12:38am

      Nobody is ever in a right state of mind if they want to die.

      Report Post »  
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