Published: 01.07.2013
Alda Gross is eighty-two Swiss citizen who wants to commit assisted suicide. Although not suffering from any clinical illness, she submitted that, being over 80, she is unwilling to continue suffering the decline of her physical and mental faculties. In particular, she explained that she was becoming increasingly frail, had difficulties concentrating and was unable to take long walks. Having unsuccessfully attempted to find a doctor willing to issue the prescription required to obtain a lethal dose of sodium pentobarbital, she applied to the Swiss system of justice. The Swiss Federal Supreme Court considered that there was no obligation on the State to guarantee an individual access to a lethal drug.
Ms Gross complained to the European Court of Human Rights that, by denying her the right to decide by what means and at what point her life would end, the Swiss authorities breached Article 8 (right to respect for private and family life) of the Convention. The Court voted 4:3 in favour of complaint.
As Lawyers from Alliance Defending Freedom point out a „right to die does not exist under the Convention. Court has recognized that some individuals may wish to commit suicide in a manner of their choosing”. This decision is considered to be a dangerous step forward, towards declaration by the Court that art. 8 of the ECHR warrants a right to assisted suicide. It might be avoided if the Grand Chamber finds there was no infringement of the Convention.
Two days ago, I received a letter calling on the Ordo Iuris Institute to “immediately vacate the PAST building.” On the anniversary of the outbreak of the Warsaw Uprising, the Foundation of the Polish Underground State, which manages this historic buidling, decided to remove us unlawfully, in violation of our agreement, due to reasons related to care “for its image also through appropriate recruitment of tenants.”
- An international conference took place in Buenos Aires, providing a space for debate for young leaders from countries in North and South America, as well as Europe.
- The event was dedicated to discussing the challenges of the 21st century in areas such as the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms, increasing globalization or cultural strife, among others.
· CPAC Hungary, an annual meeting of conservative circles from around the world, is underway in Budapest.
· Speakers at the event included Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, former U.S. government representative for women's health Valerie Huber, Croatian MEP Stephen Bartulica, Slovakian Family Minister Milan Krajniak and Ordo Iuris Institute President Jerzy Kwasniewski.
- The Ordo Iuris Institute constantly monitors the activities of the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg.
- Lawyers intervene as a "friend of the court" in cases that are important in terms of the right to life from conception to natural death, protection of the family, religious freedom or freedom of expression.
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