Parents of cognitively disabled man appeal death by dehydration order in France.

By Alex Schadenberg

International Chair - Euthanasia Prevention Coalition.

On June 5, the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg Germany decided that Vincent Lambert, a cognitively disabled man who lives in France, could have his food and water withdrawn causing his death by dehydration.

Yesterday, the French media reported that Lambert's parents appealed the decision of the European Court of Human Rights. His parents and two siblings intend to protect him from death by dehydration. After the Strasbourg court decision Lambert's mother, Viviane stated:

“It’s scandalous. They are condemning my son. We will remain by Vincent’s side and will continue to fight,"

Vincent Lambert's mother

Lambert's parents referred to death by dehydration as being "akin to torture."

The Strasbourg court decision should concern people who believe in human equality. Lambert is not dying, but is cognitive disabled. This precedent setting court decision may cause other people with cognitive disabilities to be dehydrated to death.

• European court of Human Rights decides that France can dehydrate Vincent Lambert to death.