Nicklinson euthanasia ruling welcomed by pro-life group Attempt to undermine the law against killing disabled people rejected London, : The anti-euthanasia group which was officially represented in the Debbie Purdy and Diane Pretty cases, SPUC Pro-Life, has welcomed the High Court’s rejection today of the pro-euthanasia requests in the Tony Nicklinson and ‘Martin’ cases.  

Paul Tully, general secretary of SPUC Pro-Life www.spuc.org.uk commented: "We welcome the High Court’s ruling, and we question whether those who have encouraged Mr Nicklinson and 'Martin' to pursue this legal action have the best interests of disabled people at heart. The court has reiterated once again that direct, active, voluntary euthanasia is unlawful in English and European law. To have allowed euthanasia would have seriously undermined both the laws against homicide and the right to life enshrined in the European Convention of Human Rights. Those who are sick, vulnerable or disabled need the law to be robust in protecting the inviolability of every human life. That is why SPUC Pro-Life was officially represented before the courts in the Debbie Purdy and Diane Pretty cases. Compassion and solidarity are the  humane and caring responses to ‘locked-in’ syndrome. To legalise killing of those who are suffering would adversely affect many, many people. We believe that Mr Nicklinson and ‘Martin’ have lives of equal value to any other member of society. We urge those around them to rise to the challenge of helping them realise their value and overcome their sense of hopelessness."

"We  trust  that today’s judgment will help end the insidious campaign in the British courts to change the law on assisted suicide and euthanasia. SPUC Pro-Life will be making further comments on the High Court’s ruling as soon as the details are available", concluded Mr Tully. SPUC Pro-Life's communications department can be contacted on: * mobile: 07939 177683 * direct dial: 020 7820 3129 * email: news@spuc.org.uk * Twitter: @spucprolife