A Scottish woman starved and dehydrated herself to death to get around the law which bans euthanasia. 

The 75-year old with motor neurone disease received advice from a campaign group which supports terminally ill patients who want to end their lives.

It has now reignited the debate on assisted suicide.

Dr Libby Wilson, medical adviser for campaign group Friends at the End, described the Scottish woman's case to stv news.

Dr Wilson said: "She had motor neurone disease and she was very disabled. She couldn't speak properly and she just decided that she didn't want to go on and on until she got to the stage where she couldn't swallow her own saliva and she would actually choke to death."

The retired GP gave advice to the woman who ended her life by not eating or drinking for 25 days - because euthanasia is illegal in Britain.

She said: "Still the thought of depriving yourself of fluids, it's dreadful that people have to even think about it."

A book is available through the support group that offers practical advice on suicide through starvation. The General Medical Council believes any doctor who discusses such options with patients could be struck off.

The Catholic Church also opposes the method.

Church representative John Deighan said: "I think it strengthens the case for better care - that's quite traumatic to put someone through - and I think it's irresponsible of doctors to even suggest that patients should put themselves through that."

Assisted suicide is a contentious issue and could result in jail.

Last summer, Glasgow GP Iain Kerr was suspended for prescribing sleeping pills to a suicidal patient.

The independent MSP Margo MacDonald also wants the law changed so people here have the right to choose.

Dr Wilson added: "Nobody wants to throw themselves in front of a train, or jump from a high building - this is distressing to other people.

"They don't want that. They want to do it quietly and peacefully with their family, at home."