Denied the right to die

Diane Pretty outside the High Court in London

---

Terminally-ill motor neurone disease sufferer Diane Pretty has died after failing to win her long battle to win the right to have her husband help her die. BBC News Online reports on her campaign.

---

12 May 2002

Diane died at a hospice near her home

A natural death
The family of Diane Pretty announce that the 43-year-old mother-of-two died at a hospice on Saturday. Mrs Pretty slipped into a coma after suffering breathing difficulties. The Pasque Hospice's Dr Ryszard Bietzk said her death was "perfectly normal, natural and peaceful".

 The BBC's Karen Allen reports

---

29 April 2002

Diane Pretty: "The law has taken away all my rights"

End of the road
The European Court of Human Rights rules the refusal of the British courts to allow Diane Pretty's husband to help her to die does not contravene her human rights. The decision marks the end of the legal road for Diane.

 The BBC's Andy Tighe reports

---

29 November 2001

Diane's husband says they will carry on their fight

Diane's fight goes on
Five Law Lords unanimously dismiss an appeal by Mrs Pretty, saying human rights legislation is in place to protect life rather than end it. However, the 43-year-old mother-of-two, from Luton, announces plans to take her fight to the European Court of Human Rights.

 The BBC's Karen Allen reports

 Diane Pretty speaks through her husband Brian: "I feel I have no rights"

 Diane's solicitor Mona Arshi: "We are very disappointed by this ruling"

---

18 October 2001

Brian and Diane Pretty

High Court ruling
Three High Court judges decide Diane's husband Brian cannot assist her suicide without potentially facing criminal action and a 14-year prison term. The couple announce they will go to the House of Lords.

 The BBC's Karen Allen reports

 Marie Curie Cancer Care's Teresa Tate says Diane should not win her legal battle

---

20 August 2001

Diane Pretty needs constant care from her husband Brian

Diane's fight
Diane Pretty begins a landmark battle, by announcing a decision to lodge papers at the High Court challenging the Director of Public Prosecutions' refusal to rule out prosecuting her husband Brian if he helps her commit suicide.

 The BBC's Karen Allen reports

---