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http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/1983562.stm
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November 1999: Diane
Pretty is diagnosed with motor neurone disease, a degenerative condition
which has left her completely dependant on her family.
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The disease has no impact on
her intellect, but within four months it confines her to a wheelchair.
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June 2000: Mr Pretty
writes to Tony Blair pleading for a change in the law. He says his wife wants
him to help her end her life.
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August 2001: Mrs
Pretty asks to the Director of Public Prosecutions, David Calvert Smith QC to
grant her husband immunity from prosecution should he help her to commit
suicide.
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The move receives the
backing of the Voluntary Euthanasia Society and civil rights group, Liberty.
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The DPP acknowledges that
Mrs Pretty and her family are experiencing "terrible suffering" -
but he refuses to grant immunity.
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August 31, 2001: A
High Court Judge grants Mrs Pretty the right to challenge the DPP's decision
through the courts. She claims it represents an infringement of her human
rights.
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Sitting in London, Mr
Justice Silber says he wants the full hearing to be heard as soon as
possible.
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October 10, 2001: A
two-day hearing begins at the High Court. Mrs Pretty attends.
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October 18, 2001:
Three High Court judges, headed by Lord Justice Tuckey, reject Mrs Pretty's
appeal. They conclude that the UK is not ready to sanction the idea of
assisted suicide.
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November 14, 2001:
Five Law Lords review the High Court ruling.
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November 29, 2001: The
Law Lords, headed by Lord Bingham, confirm the decision of the High Court.
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Mrs Pretty announces that
she will make one last appeal to the European Court of Human Rights in
Strasbourg.
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November 30, 2001:
MPs sign an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons calling for a change in
the law.
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March 19, 2002: A 90
minute hearing in the European Court in front of seven Human Rights judges.
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Mr and Mrs Pretty travel by
ambulance for 12 hours to attend.
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April 29, 2002: Human
Rights judges in Strasbourg rejected the appeal.
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May 3, 2002: Mrs
Pretty is admitted to a hospice. She develops a chest infection and breathing
difficulties.
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May 11, 2002: Diane
Pretty dies at a hospice near her home.
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