The judges agreed a competent adult had the right to refuse medical treatment even if it led to death, but the taking of active steps by a third party to bring about the death of another was entirely a different matter, the court ruled.

BBC: Europe

Although the High Court judges agreed a competent adult had the right to refuse medical treatment even if it led to death, they ruled the taking of active steps by a third party to bring about the death of another was entirely a different matter.

BBC: Marie Fleming and Tom Curran

The practice has been condemned by human rights groups and the American Medical Association, which says every patient has the right to refuse even life-sustaining treatment.

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The government has the right to compel medical treatment of children if their parents refuse, for example.

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