A second pressure group, Patients in Danger , is considering charging the government in the European Court of Human Rights. Dr. Liam Fox, spokesperson for the Conservative Party has expressed alarm at the status of passive euthanasia in England. The party is concerned that orders have been issued that at least 50 patients be allowed to die and not be resuscitated when their breathing or heart stops. The party is calling for clear guidelines to medical personnel. The actual number is believed to be higher.
Public opinion is heavily in favor of continuing the present system.
Physicians have complained that the present guidelines left them in a legal limbo. However, they need not be terminally ill. The patient must make a request on a voluntary, well considered and sustained basis. The doctor and patient must have had a long-term relationship. There must be no reasonable alternative to relieve the patient's suffering.