Right to die legal battle gathers local support

A terminally ill man fighting in court for the right to die has gathered local support.A number of people in favour of Noel Conway’s legal battle have joined him in Telford to protest that the current UK Law is incompatible with human rights law.

Due to his deteriorating health, Mr Conway is unable to attend the high court and has had to correspond and watch the proceedings by video link.

In Telford Square, Mr Conway was joined by support campaign Dignity in Dying, as well as his wife and other protestors.

Commenting on the hearing so far, he stated: “It is early days. We are pleased that we are in the middle of the full judicial review which is being fully debated.

“I wasn’t available to hear my own counsel and I am aware of our arguments and counter argument. It is hard for me and my wife Carol and other people who we love to live watch and listen to these issues.”

Suffering from terminal motor neurone disease, Mr Conway brought a judicial review to contest the existing law on assisted dying in England and Wales. Under the Suicide Act 1961, there is a blanket ban on assisted dying, even when performed by a medical professional.  Mr Conway is challenging this legislation, with his legal team arguing that this is contrary to Article 8 and Article 14 of the European Convention on Human Rights, respectively relating to private and family life and discrimination protection.

He is fighting for the right to have a choice, and the option for an assisted death during his final six months of life.