Dame Esther Rantzen, an 83-year-old campaigner and veteran broadcaster, has unfortunately withdrawn from attending a Westminster debate on assisted dying due to her current health condition. Having been diagnosed with stage four lung cancer, Dame Esther has been contemplating traveling to Switzerland for an assisted death. She believes that the MPs taking part in the debate on April 29 will be delving into a topic that resonates deeply with constituents across the country.
Despite her inability to attend the debate due to health reasons, Dame Esther will be closely following its progression as it profoundly affects her personal decision to potentially seek assisted dying at Dignitas in Zurich. Her primary motivation for considering this step is to spare her family the distress of witnessing a painful departure.
This debate marks the first of its kind in almost two years and was initiated by a petition backed by Dame Esther, Dignity in Dying, and the Daily Express, which garnered over 200,000 signatures. Dame Esther has been a vocal advocate for assisted dying, emphasizing that while palliative care in the UK can be exceptional, it cannot guarantee the dignified and pain-free demise that terminally ill patients yearn for.
She strongly believes that the current law, which could lead to the prosecution of her family for assisting her in seeking assisted dying in Switzerland, is unjust and unethical. She contends that it should be her choice, as it is her life, echoing the views of the majority of the public.
Similar legislation to introduce assisted dying for terminally ill individuals in Scotland was recently introduced in Holyrood last month. The MSP behind the bill asserted that there is substantial evidence supporting this move. However, opponents of such legislation express concerns that it could diminish the value of life for those who are ill or disabled. The Bishop of Paisley, John Keenan, has labeled it a “dangerous idea.”
With Holyrood anticipated to vote on the proposals later this year, it will mark the third time that MSPs have considered this issue. Two previous attempts to amend the law were overwhelmingly defeated. Additionally, assisted dying proposals in Jersey and the Isle of Man, aimed at legalizing the option for residents, are slated for debate in the upcoming months.
