Assisted suicide appeal reserved in SCA
The Supreme Court of Appeal has heard from the Health Professions Council of South Africa that the best way to handle an appeal before them on assisted suicide, is to prohibit it and provide Parliament time to provide legislation.
The SCA today reserved judgment in the appeal by three State entities and the HPCSA - of the North Gauteng High Court's ruling last year in favour of cancer patient, Robin Stransham-Ford - who had wanted a doctor to help end his life.
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The ruling also protected the doctor who would assist from prosecution and from losing their license to practice.
The SCA has heard the State cannot stand for anything but the right to life.
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Counsel for Robert Stransham-Ford's estate told the court every person have rights, including a right to self-determination and also to his death. It was submitted that currently cases where assisted suicide is needed, there is no other way but to approach a court to allow that person to do what he wishes.
Counsel to Stransham-Ford agreed the court cannot make policy to assisted suicide. They acknowledge that any doctor that helps with an assisted suicide will likely be prosecuted in South Africa.