Inquest sparks discussion about assisted dying laws

Thu, 29 Jan 2015

The outcome of the inquest into the death of a Peel woman this week has re-ignited the case for assisted dying laws to be introduced on the Island.

'I wouldn't be doing this if there was assisted suicide in Britain' - the powerful words contained within the final note left by 60-year-old Cathy Pridham who walked into the sea off Niarbyl last March.

A few months previously she had been diagnosed with secondary cancer which carried with it a terminal diagnosis.

With no clinics in the UK, and the threat of criminal prosecution for anyone perceived to have assisted her, she opted to take her own life - her body was never recovered.

Mickey Charouneau from Dignity in Dying says this case is a perfect example as to why the law should be changed: