A Life in the Day: Debbie Purdy Our first appearance at the High Court was in June 2008, and on July 30 this year five law lords ordered the director of public prosecutions to make clear what factors he’ll take into account in deciding whether to prosecute for assisting a suicide. He published his interim guidelines in September and is now inviting comments. We still need public discussion because there are grey areas. What constitutes financial gain? What about people without close family or friends? But his clarification has meant I can delay thoughts of death and get on with living.