Courts / Ireland / Report

Woman who court heard wants to be allowed die agrees to take food and fluids

Summary

In a High Court case, a woman who had previously requested to be allowed to die has agreed to receive food and fluids for the next two weeks. The Health Services Executive (HSE) sought an order to force-feed her, as she had not eaten or taken fluids for weeks and was at risk of imminent death. The HSE's application was initially opposed by the woman, who had been treated for PTSD and other mental health conditions stemming from childhood sexual abuse. High Court President Mr Justice Nicholas Kearns granted a temporary order allowing the HSE to administer fluids only, and later accepted the woman's decision to accept nourishment for two weeks. The court will consider her mental capacity in any future orders, but no restraining order was granted. The case highlights the legal complexities surrounding a patient's right to refuse treatment and the court's role in determining capacity.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Woman who court heard wants to be allowed die agrees to take food and fluids. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• 2014-10-14 Publication

Why: She has refused food and liquids because she is so traumatised by the abuse she suffered. CNI source report

Places mentioned

Topics

Sexual Offences Stage Hearing Or Decision

Read the original CNI report