Right to die under the spotlight

THE CONTROVERSIAL issue of physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia for terminally ill patients will once again come under the spotlight later this month.

This time around, a doctor and her patient will ask the court to develop the common law to allow for these processes.

Suzanne Walter, 47, a palliative care specialist, and her 71-year-old patient Diethelm Harck, both from Joburg, will turn to the South Gauteng High Court for an order directing the government to enact legislation which would allow for physician-assisted suicide