Results for: Dame Esther Rantzen

Dame Esther Rantzen, the 83-year-old founder of Childline, has announced that she will not be able to attend the Westminster debate on assisted dying due to her stage four lung cancer diagnosis. Despite her desire to be present, she explained that health issues prevent her from doing so. Rantzen has been considering traveling to Dignitas in Switzerland for an assisted death but has expressed concern over the legal consequences her family could face under current laws. She emphasized that the decision should be hers, as it is her life, and that she supports the majority view that assisted dying should be a personal choice. The upcoming debate marks the first time MPs will discuss the issue in nearly two years, following the publication of legislation in Scotland to introduce assisted dying for terminally ill individuals.

Dame Esther Rantzen, an 83-year-old campaigner and veteran broadcaster, has withdrawn from attending a Westminster debate on assisted dying due to illness. She is currently battling stage four lung cancer and has expressed the possibility of traveling to Switzerland for an assisted death. The debate, scheduled for April 29, will explore a topic that is highly relevant to constituents nationwide. Dame Esther emphasized that while she is unable to attend, she will closely follow the proceedings as it pertains to her personal decision regarding seeking assisted dying at Dignitas in Zurich. This decision was motivated by her desire to shield her family from witnessing a painful demise. The debate on assisted dying marks the first of its kind in almost two years, prompted by a petition backed by Dame Esther, Dignity in Dying, and the Daily Express, which garnered over 200,000 signatures.