Anorexic woman can be force-feed by doctors, court rules
The judgement said that Patricia, who is autistic, has suffered from anorexia nervosa since the age of 10.A court order made in 2023 ruled against force-feeding Patricia without her consent.That was challenged by her parents at the Court of Protection, which makes decisions for people who "lack mental capacity".
'Patricia's will to live remains strong'
Mrs Justice Arbuthnot now ruled Patricia could now be force-fed regardless of whether she had personally given permission, as this was in her "best interests"."Having considered the balance of the imminent risk of death versus the harm which will be caused psychologically and emotionally... the balance is in favour of trying to save her life," she said."Patricia's will to live remains strong. She speaks about what she would like to do in her life, including travelling."Patricia did not want the order lifted, and was "traumatised" by the thought of having to be force-fed, arguing it was "torture", Mrs Justice Arbuthnot said. "What struck me was how wrong it was that a potential life-saving option, open to every other anorexic in the country, was not available to Patricia," she added.Patricia has been treated by doctors from Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board and Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust.A spokesperson on behalf of the three NHS bodies said Patricia's health and wellbeing remained their "priority"."We welcome the clarity this Court of Protection ruling provides and the court's thorough review of this complex case," they said.
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