Marie Fleming

Marie Fleming

Name	Marie Fleming
Birth name
Birth date	1953
Birth place	Ireland
Death date	8 December 2013
Death place	Ireland
Alma mater
Occupation
Years active
Organization
Known for	Right-to-die legal case
Notable works
Spouse(s)
Website

Marie Fleming (1953 – 8 December 2013) was an Irish woman who became widely known for her legal battle to establish the right to assisted suicide in Ireland. Her case highlighted significant ethical, legal, and medical issues surrounding end-of-life care and the rights of terminally ill patients.

Early Life and Education

Marie Fleming was born in 1953 in Ireland. Details about her early life and education are not extensively documented, but she pursued a career in education and became a lecturer at the Institute of Technology, Sligo.

Diagnosis and Health Challenges

In 1986, Marie Fleming was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a chronic illness that affects the central nervous system. Over the years, her condition progressively worsened, leading to severe disability. By the time of her legal case, she was quadriplegic and required constant care.

Legal Battle for Assisted Suicide

In 2012, Marie Fleming initiated a legal case seeking the right to assisted suicide. She argued that the ban on assisted suicide in Ireland violated her constitutional rights, including the right to dignity and autonomy. Her case was brought against the Irish State, and it was heard in the High Court of Ireland.

High Court Ruling

The High Court ruled against Marie Fleming in January 2013, stating that while her situation was deeply sympathetic, the court could not change the law as it stood. The court emphasized the potential risks of abuse if assisted suicide were legalized.

Supreme Court Appeal

Marie Fleming appealed the decision to the Supreme Court of Ireland. In April 2013, the Supreme Court upheld the High Court's decision, ruling that there was no constitutional right to assisted suicide. However, the court acknowledged the need for legislative consideration of the issue.

Impact and Legacy

Marie Fleming's case brought significant attention to the debate over assisted suicide in Ireland. It sparked discussions about patient rights, the role of the state in end-of-life decisions, and the need for legislative reform. Although her legal battle was unsuccessful, it paved the way for future discussions and potential changes in Irish law.

Death

Marie Fleming passed away on 8 December 2013 at her home in Ireland. Her partner, Tom Curran, was by her side, and her death was reported as peaceful.

Also see

• Assisted suicide
• Right to die
• Euthanasia
• End-of-life care
• Multiple sclerosis