Battler hears final arguments in her assisted-dying case

The woman at the centre of a rightto-die case returned to the courtroom yesterday to hear final arguments.

Lecretia Seales, who is dying from an inoperable brain tumour, has been fighting a legal battle in the High Court at Wellington to be able to have her doctor legally assist in her death.

Earlier in the three-day hearing in front of Justice David Collins, evidence was given by Ms Seales’ oncologist, who said she had weeks or some months to live.

Ms Seales, who was looking pale and physically fragile, was brought into the courtroom in a wheelchair. She sat close to her family, husband and supporters at the front of the court and listened with her head tilted to one side and her eyes closed.

Ms Seales’ legal team has argued that not allowing her doctor to admin- ister lethal medication that would relieve her suffering is contrary to the Human Rights Act.

The Crown has argued there is nothing in current legislation that allows for doctors to lawfully help end someone’s life — that would require a change in legislation.

Professor Paul Rishworth, QC, said Ms Seales’ arguments around who could apply for doctor-assisted death led to a slippery slope. Some patients could live a “very long time” with terminal illnesses.

Justice Collins reserved his decision.