The spectre of so-called “assisted dying” is rearing its head again, as the British Medical Association controversially changes its stance to “neutral” and Baroness Meacher’s private member’s bill is soon to have its second reading. The sad case of Alta Fixsler, a brain-damaged Hasidic Jewish girl, reveals not only that euthanasia without consent is already happening, but sheds light on the contempt for religious belief in these cases.

Alta was born eight weeks premature. During her birth, she suffered severe brain injury through lack of oxygenated blood. Thanks to the wonders of modern medicine, Manchester NHS Trust managed to keep her alive. She is now two-and-a-half. The prognosis is not great – no realistic chance of recovery and a life expectancy measured in months. Now the NHS Trust wants to end her life.