News Roundup [abridged Versions Appear In The Paper Journal]
GMC appeals against judgment on withholding treatment
BMJ 2004; 329 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.329.7470.818 (Published 07 October 2004) Cite this as: BMJ 2004;329:818
- Clare Dyer, legal correspondent
- BMJ
The General Medical Council filed an appeal last week against a high court ruling which has cast doubt on key aspects of the GMC's guidance on the circumstances in which doctors can properly withhold or withdraw treatment which prolongs life.
The ruling was won last July by Leslie Burke, aged 44 (BMJ 2004;329:309, 7 Aug). He has cerebellar ataxia and told the court that he feared that doctors might withdraw artificial feeding and let him die if he lost the ability to communicate.
Ruling in his favour, …
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