In 2005, a man by the name of
Tony Nicklinson was on his way from London to Athens for a business trip when he suddenly had a stroke and has since been stuck in what's known as
"Locked-In Syndrome". His only form of communication is by blinking using an Eye Blink Computer. This is a very frustrating state to be in, wherein there is no treatment. It causes a form of paralysis where the only actions he can take are blinking and limited speech. He's stated in several ways this has left him miserable. He's ungrateful towards the paramedics that saved his life in Greece, and has even gone as far as to say that he hopes he comes down with an illness such as cancer, so that he can decline any treatment and end his life soon.
Mr. Nicklinson clearly feels very strong about his case. He wants to end his life and wants to do it properly and legally. That's why he has challenged the government to allow doctors to help him in dying. This case will be ongoing this year and should have a conclusion during 2012.
This case brings on a unique aspect of euthanasia. Mr. Nicklinson is
not terminally ill or dying. His life is in no danger, and he is not in physical pain. Should he be allowed to take part in assisted suicide? It seems as though each day in his life is almost like being trapped in a jail cell, in that he cannot participate in daily activities or social situations. His wife, Jane Nicklinson says "I think the only thing he gets any real enjoyment out of is watching his rugby." While there may not be any physical pain in Mr. Nicklinson's case, the mental anguish he has been experiencing for 7 years now may be excruciating and can act as a form of torture in itself.
The law Mr. Nicklinson is challenging would allow terminally ill, mentally competent adults the choice in assisted suicide, so this law would not apply to him. Still, this could take a large part in the movement to try to end the suffering, physical or mental, of patients making their cases for legal euthanasia.
