Seeking Clarity Amidst Looming Death

Gordon Ross, 66, suffers from several serious medical conditions including Parkinson’s disease, and is now seeking clarification from a court in Edinburgh over Scotland’s legal position in regards to assisted suicide.  Mr. Ross is calling on the top prosecutor to issue guidance elucidating whether an individual who helps him end his life would be charged with an offense. 

These guidelines have been published by the Director of Public Prosecutions in England, but have no authority in Scotland.  Although Mr. Ross does not want to die now, he fears that if the time comes when he has “had enough,” he will not be able to end his life without help.  Representing him, Aidan O’Neill QC said, “The matter is one of particular concern and urgency for him to be resolved as quickly as possible.”  Mr. Ross’ legal team is arguing that the failure to issue guidelines is incompatible with his rights under the European Convention on Human Rights. 

See Assisted Suicide: Severely Disabled Grandfather’s Case is of ‘Particular Concern and Urgency’ for Him, Court Hears, Daily Record, May 14, 2015.