British Man Seeks Court Protection from Euthanasia.

A British man suffering from a degenerative brain disorder petitioned a court to protect him from starvation and dehydration once he becomes incompetent. Leslie Burke, 44, is concerned that medical guidelines giving doctors the power to withdraw treatment from incompetent patients could be applied to his case despite his wishes.

Burke has cerebellar ataxia, a progressive condition like multiple sclerosis that leads to a loss of motor control. Diagnosed 12 years ago, Burke now has to use a wheelchair, and the condition has begun to affect his speech, Press Association (PA) News reported.

"I am doing this because I may well end up in the position where I need artificial hydration and nutrition," Burke told reporters before the court hearing, according to the Daily Telegraph. "Physically, my body will deteriorate but I will be mentally alert the whole time.

"I may not be able to communicate with the doctors and it takes two to three weeks to die when hydration and nutrition is withdrawn, and I will be acutely aware of that every single day and, physically, not be able to do anything about it."

British General Medical Council (GMC) guidelines state that doctors can withdraw food and fluids from a patient, even if death is not imminent, if the treatment would "cause suffering or be too burdensome in relation to the possible benefits," the Telegraph reported.

The High Court in London agreed to a test case hearing to determine whether the GMC guidelines are lawful and appropriate. The three-day hearing began February 26.