The Quality of Mercy

Diagnosed with terminal cancer, Irene Anderson was determined to die with dignity. 1071 days later, her husband Ross fulfilled her wish, helping her to end her life with total disregard for the criminal implications.

Before you judge me, ask yourself what you would do in my situation.'

In May 1999, Ross Anderson's wife and soul mate, Irene, received the death penalty. Diagnosed with terminal, inoperable and incurable cancer of the pancreas, the medical profession gave her six months to live. One thousand and seventy-one days later, at the age of fifty-three, Irene died, having been lovingly cared for by her husband and daughter.

This is the story of an ordinary man who took the law into his own hands so he could comply with Irene's wish to die on her own terms. It is a potent and controversial addition to the ongoing debate about assisted suicide.