Australian quadriplegic granted right to starve to death

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

An Australian high court ruled Friday that a quadriplegic man has the right to refuse food and water and can be allowed to die.

...

"I'm happy that I won my right to die," Rossiter, 49, said afterward.

...

Rossiter's case is significant because his mind is fully functional.

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Chief Justice Wayne Martin noted that distinction in his order, saying ... "a person with full mental capacity and the ability to communicate his wishes has indicated that he wishes to direct those who have assumed responsibility for his care to discontinue the provision of treatment which maintains his existence."

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Rossiter has suffered a series of injuries since 1988 that have left him with limited foot movement and the ability to wriggle only one finger. He is fed through a stomach tube. He relies on staff at the Brightwater Care Group nursing facility in the city of Perth for such routine care as regular turning, cleaning, assistance with bowel movements, physical and occupational therapy and speech pathology.

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Rossiter attended the hearing in a wheelchair, breathing through a tracheotomy tube in his throat. He told the judge he wants to die.

It's a point he has been making publicly.

"I can't move," Rossiter said in a televised interview this week. "I can't even wipe the tears from my eyes. And I'd like to die. I'm imprisoned in my own body. I have no fear of death. Just pain."

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"This is living hell," he is quoted as saying. "I used to be a cyclist, I used to be a keen walker. I bushwalked around the world. ... I've rock climbed in Yosemite Valley in California up very steep cliffs. I've got a degree in economics and now I can't even read a newspaper, I can't turn the pages."

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Rossiter will have to undergo a slow and painful death through starvation, rather than having a quicker and painless way to end his life. Because he cannot use his hands, Rossiter must rely on others to withhold treatment rather than being able to take his own life. Switzerland has an assisted suicide law, and Rossiter has considered going there.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/08/1....die/index.html

[Rhiannercakes 14]

Touchy subject.

I'd comment with my opinion, but it's just too much of a touchy subject in my opinion.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

Touchy subject.

I'd comment with my opinion, but it's just too much of a touchy subject in my opinion.

You support letting granny drift away on ice floes whether she chooses that fate or not. You don't need to state your opinion, we already know.

[Rhiannercakes 14]

Touchy subject.

I'd comment with my opinion, but it's just too much of a touchy subject in my opinion.

You support letting granny drift away on ice floes whether she chooses that fate or not. You don't need to state your opinion, we already know.

Off Topic, but nice member title

And I guess to keep it simple, I would have agreed with the court's choice.

[_Simpson_ 250]

I agree with the court.

[Dakine 26]

Best thing is at least he can communicate and let people know what he wants.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

This curt comes dangerously close to being labeled a "death panel" by the dimwits of the GOP.

[Mrs. Disney 0]

I'm glad he can communicate. This way we know how quadriplegic people feel (or most of them), what a horrible life they live. I'm glad they granted his wish and I hope more people will have the right to not live that miserable life anymore if they seem fit, or in many cases their families.

[GabiandVi 34]

Touchy subject.

I'd comment with my opinion, but it's just too much of a touchy subject in my opinion.

My feelings exactly!

[spookyturtle 9,466]

Maybe its Haza?

[Ban Hammer 13,676]

I agree with the court.

ditto