Newspaper Article

Couple who died after suicide clinic visit `not terminally ill

Maxine Frith Social Affairs Correspondent

2004

Overview

[Robert Stokes] and Jennifer Stokes both had a history of mental illness and failed suicide attempts and were in constant pain from chronic diseases but were not considered to be dying. Despite this, doctors at the Zurich-based Dignitas clinic supplied them with a lethal drugs overdose after agreeing they should be allowed to commit suicide. Mr Stokes, 59, and his wife, 53, died in each other's arms on a bed in the clinic's \"death room\" in March last year. The case raises serious concerns about so-called \"suicide tourism\" and the way in which Dignitas helps people to take their own lives. Under Swiss law, assisted suicide is only a crime if those providing the help can be shown to have acted out of self- interest. But patients must have a terminal illness and be of sound judgement. Mr and Mrs Stokes did not appear to fulfil either criterion. The case has sparked an inquiry by the Swiss authorities and the proposals for tougher regulations on the way assisted suicide is tolerated. Members of Dignitas are supposed to be assessed at the clinic to confirm that they are terminally ill and have made a rational decision to die.

• Publisher: Independent Digital News & Media
• Subject: Stokes, Jennifer