Marie Fleming lodges papers to appeal High Court assisted-suicide ruling
Terminally ill woman Marie Fleming is to appeal against the High Court's rejection of her landmark bid to overturn the ban on assisted suicide.
The 59-year-old is in the final stages of Multiple Sclerosis and wishes to die at a time of her choosing at her home in Wicklow.
Papers were lodged with the Supreme Court this afternoon.
The appeal follows last week's ruling by a three-judge High Court upholding the ban on assisted suicide.
It found the law does not disproportionately interfere with Marie Fleming's personal rights under the Constitution and that it is necessary to protect the vulnerable in society.
The mother of two requires assistance to take her own life and fears if her partner partner Tom Curran helps her, he could face up to 14 years in jail.
The High Court said it believed the DPP would take a humane view in deciding whether to prosecute a case such as hers.
It is believed Marie Fleming's lawyers will now apply to the Supreme Court for an urgent appeal date.
The case may be heard by up to seven judges given the importance of the issues at stake.
