British Issue New Rules On Assisted-Suicide Prosecution

Britain's top prosecutor published new guidelines Thursday spelling out what types of assisted suicide cases were more likely to face prosecution, keeping the practice illegal but finding some leeway for suspects not to be charged.

Director of Public Prosecutions Keir Starmer said assisted suicide still remains a serious offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison, but said prosecution is least likely when the suspect is wholly motivated by compassion.

The new guidelines, reached after extensive input from the public — nearly 5,000 Britons commented — also stress that prosecution is less likely when victims themselves have reached a clear, voluntary and informed decision to end their life by suicide.

“The policy is now more focused on the motivation of the suspect rather than the characteristics of the victim,” he said. “The policy does not change the law on assisted suicide. It does not open the door for euthanasia.”

He said prosecutors will examine each case on its merits and decide whether there is a public interest in beginning a prosecution.

The new guidelines are similar to interim guidance provided by prosecutors last September but do reflect some significant changes. It no longer stresses that prosecution is less likely if a suspect is a family member or close friend of the victim.

Mr. Starmer was forced to publish the detailed guidance for prosecutors after Debbie Purdy, a 46-year-old with multiple sclerosis, sued to force the government to reveal under what circumstances it would press charges against those who help others kill themselves.

Mrs. Purdy said she feared her husband could be prosecuted if he helped her go to the Swiss suicide clinic, and said she needed the guidance to understand if she should go abroad before her condition prevented her from travelling by herself.

The morality of helping someone commit suicide is hotly debated in Britain and the new guidelines will be closely examined by advocates on both sides.