Going the Dutch way

A City solicitor has taken a major step away from everyday private practice to head the Voluntary Euthanasia Society, it was announced this week.Deborah Annetts made the unusual decision to leave City IT and media firm Tarlo Lyons so that she could concentrate on a more managerial, campaigning role as the societys first director.

She was formerly a partner at media firm Stephens Innocent before it merged with Finers.Ms Annetts said she will be urging politicians to look to recent developments in Holland when considering the legalisation of euthanasia.

Voluntary euthanasia has been practised in Holland since newcriteria were laid down in November, and now legislation is due to be ratified by the Dutch Upper House on 10 April, she explained.

The Dutch system is far ahead of us and we want to use what is happening in Holland as a springboard to get changes in the law over here.The society is also working on raising the profile of living wills in the UK, so that people can specify while they are still mentally able which medical treatment they wish to receive if they become ill.

Ms Annetts said the dual policies would produce a system that gave individuals choice, autonomy and the right to take responsibility for their lives.The societys chairman, Malcolm Hurwitt, welcomed Ms Annetts on board, saying: Her extensive legal knowledge will be invaluable.A Tarlo Lyons spokeswoman said the firm wished Ms Annetts well in her new venture.Paula Rohan