Debbie to appeal to the Lords (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Bradford woman continues assisted suicide fight

9:05am Friday 3rd April 2009 in Bradford

Bradford woman Debbie Purdy has been given leave to appeal to the House of Lords in her bid to ensure her husband will not be prosecuted if he helps her in an assisted suicide.

Multiple Sclerosis sufferer Mrs Purdy, 45, has already taken her test case to the High Court and the Appeal Court, but has not been given any assurances.

Now the organisation Dignity in Dying has confirmed that she has now been given permission to take her battle to the next stage.

Davina Hehir, of Dignity in Dying, said: “Debbie Purdy’s legal team have been given permission to apply to the House of Lords to appeal.”

Mrs Purdy, from Undercliffe, believes the time may come when primary progressive MS will make her life intolerable and she will want to end it.

She wants to be sure that her husband, Omar Puente, will not be prosecuted if he helps her travel abroad to die.