In the spotlight: Janusz Świtaj

The 32-year-old Świtaj has been paralyzed from the neck down for 14 years, following a motorcycle accident. He breathes only with the aid of a respirator. He communicates with the outside world via internet by clicking keys on the keyboard with a pencil, which he holds in his mouth. Świtaj claims that he is a burden on his parents, who are over 60 years old and who have their own health problems. "When my parents become unable to take care of me, I should have the right to die with dignity," he wrote on his internet site.

Świtaj's condition requires constant attention. Every hour he has to be rolled over onto his side - an operation which takes over 20 minutes. The parents are supported by a nurse and a social worker, who come for a total of six hours per day. Świtaj has been appealing for additional help to relieve his parents. He told Gazeta Wyborcza that he would be willing to withdraw his request if decent care was provided.

According to a recent poll conducted by TNS OBOP, more than half of Poles support euthanasia. Some 53 percent of those polled think that the judge should grant Świtaj his request. The judge's decision is expected within the next two weeks.