Omid T suffers from Multiple Systems Atrophy. An incurable condition which has permanently reduced his quality of life below the level he is able to accept. It is not a terminal condition – he may have to continue suffering against his will for many years. Omid is taking legal action to request medical assistance to die. He is unable to take his own life, with dignity, without assistance.
Omid’s case differs from that of Noel Conway, who is also taking legal action, as Noel Conway is only arguing for medical assistance to die once doctors believe he has six months or less to live. For people like Omid, a six-month criterion is too restrictive as they have to suffer unacceptably for many years before that point, which doctors may have extreme difficulty in accurately predicting.
Omid’s case is approaching the next stage, with a High Court judgement due on 21st November 2017.
Omid’s latest message is available here. In it he says “There is no palliative care that can help me. My life is beyond that”. This highlights the limits of palliative care, touted by some as a reason why legalised assisted dying is unnecessary. While palliative care is a great help for many, and MDMD strongly supports the efforts of those who work in this area, we believe those involved in palliative care should recognise the limitations of their approach and the choices of people like Omid for whom even the best available palliative care is unable to make their life tolerable for them.
Omid’s case still needs funding. Please donate if you are able, on his crowdjustice page.
Saimo , the Bindman’s lawyer leading Omid’s case, has written a useful article in the Law Society Gazette about the case, and the impact of the recent ruling in the Conway case. The full Conway ruling is available here.
