Woman has right to starve herself to death, say experts

Authorities say there is nothing that can be done to stop a disabled woman from starving herself to death.

Margaret Page, 60, who suffered a cerebral haemorrhage 20 years ago and has been living in a Wellington care home since 2006, has not eaten for 10 days and has drunk only a small amount of water, The Dominion Post reported.

While she cannot speak well, she has clearly indicated that she no longer wanted to live.

Her estranged husband, Barry Page, wants her put in hospital and forced to eat.

But three psychiatric assessments have found she is lucid and cannot be forcibly treated.

Her daughter has enduring power of attorney but is legally unable to make decisions for Mrs Page unless she is incapable of making them herself.

Mr Page said the care home, St John of God, was passively supporting her decision.

Chief executive Ralph La Salle said the home had done everything in its power to convince Mrs Page to eat but it was legally restricted by her legal right to choose to die.

Otago University's Professor John Dawson, an expert in mental health law, said the care home appeared to have complied with legal obligations.

The Bill of Rights Act recognised a person's right to refuse treatment, he told the newspaper.

"To force food on someone is actually an assault on them."

- NZPA