Skip to Content

Withdrawing Care


A Judge has ruled that it is no longer permitted for relatives to obtain legal permission to withdraw care from a family member in a diagnosed permanent vegetative state.

Before this ruling there have always been situations where care could be withdrawn, for example when a ‘DNR’ (do not resuscitate order) has been made or the patient is on dialysis, but removing sustenance was always treated differently and required a court order.

It has been this way for almost 25 years but this ruling has over turned this- it is expected that the state will appeal this decision.

The problem here is it is the withdrawal of sustenance that will end a person’s life, it is possible to withdraw many medical treatments that will end a person’s life without a court order, but food and water have always been different.

On an emotive level it’s easy to understand that withdrawing food and water should be treated differently, the thought of it is very hard to understand, but on a medical level that takes into account the patient, the decision may be easier.

It must be remembered that both Doctors and family need to be in agreement and that it’s in the patients best interest to withdraw the sustenance, and if all other options such as withdrawal of medical care have been explored.

In this case even where the doctors and family members agreed the legal costs amounted to £30,000 which does seem mad when the family and doctors are in agreement.

In my view this case highlights the need to again review the laws concerning euthanasia.

Withdrawing Care
Image Description
related news
recent articles
What is a Section 60 notice?

Over 2000 section 60 notices have been issued in London last year..

link

Mental Health - Your rights at work

If you have a mental health problem, it’s important that you are not treated unfairly at work, you have rights and you and your employer should be aware of them..

The sex offender register

The sex offender register - Guide..

What is a Section 60 notice?

Over 2000 section 60 notices have been issued in London last year, what are they and do they work?..

Stop and Search Laws to be changed?

Police Chiefs are calling for a change in the 'stop and search' l..

link

Modern Slavery Law

Modern Slavery Law.
Passed in 2015 by the Government the Modern Slavery Act is designed to prevent and prosecute any act of slavery, included within the act is..

What can and can`t Bailiffs do

What can and can't Bailiffs do? Guide to stricter rules..

How to apply to become a British Citizen

British Citizen application| Process.
If you are looking to apply to become a British Citizen, we recommend that you contact a firm of solicitors that have exp..

Digital Crime ‘the new front line’.

The Law Commission has called for a full review of the law dealin..

link

Domestic Violence Guide

Domestic violence is not just physical violence, it can take many forms, which a person may use to control a partner, if you are suffering domestic violence cal..

Digital Crime ‘the new front line’.

The Law Commission has called for a full review of the law dealing with digital crime...

Injunctions.

How to apply for one, and what is an injunction? - If you are seeking an injunction we would recommend that you take immediate advice...

Image Description
Is there anything wrong with this page? - any amendments will receive accreditation - email us

Solicitors.com are not a firm of solicitors, and any content on the site should not be used in substitute for obtaining Legal advice from a solicitor regulated in the UK, Solicitors.com recommends that you contact a firm of solicitors to discuss your individual legal requirement. Whilst we strive to bring you accurate up to date content, all content on this site is not legal advice and is not guaranteed to be correct. Use of this site does not create a client relationship.

Information by area of law
Back to top