Veteran broadcaster Dame Esther Rantzen, at 83, has recently discussed her membership with the Swiss assisted dying clinic, Dignitas, amidst her battle with advanced lung cancer. The cabinet minister has also come forward saying he “welcomes” assisted dying law debate.
In an intimate conversation with BBC’s Radio 4, Rantzen revealed her current engagement with a potentially life-saving treatment for her stage four lung cancer. While hopeful, she candidly spoke about considering assisted dying in Zurich, where it’s legally permitted, if her treatment fails.
Rantzen, looking forward to a cherished Christmas she once doubted she’d experience, expressed her desire to spare her family the pain of witnessing a difficult passing. This desire heavily influenced her decision to join Dignitas, which assists individuals with terminal illnesses or unbearable suffering, provided they make a reasoned request with medical validation.
Recent news revealed that the Assisted Dying Bill passed its second reading in the House of Keys. Politicians chose to progress the Assisted Dying Bill that would allow terminally-ill Isle of Man residents the right to choose to end their lives.
Mel Stride praised Rantzen for revealing she has joined Dignitas assisted dying clinic. Stride said he thought Ranzten was a “dignified and extraordinary lady”. Of the 2015 vote he said:
“It, with great deliberation, was one of the most delicate and balanced and difficult voting decisions that I’ve taken since I’ve been a member of parliament.
On the one hand, I do think that it is absolutely right that those who are in the final days or months of their life should have the maximum opportunity to have control of the end of their life, bearing in mind that in many cases they may be in acute pain, for example, they may well be worried about the impact of their situation on their loved ones and so on, with the dignity of the whole process of their life coming to an end.
But on the other side, of course, there are other big issues, some of them quite dangerous issues, like, for example, making sure that people don’t use any new legislation to cajole people into taking these kind of decisions when it’s not really in their best interest. If it comes back to the House again, I would want to take a look at it and come to a decision at that point.”
Discussing the implications of her potential choice for assisted death, Rantzen highlighted the legal and emotional challenges it could pose for her loved ones. In the UK, assisted suicide is illegal, with Scotland also viewing euthanasia as a prosecutable offense. The upcoming Health and Social Care Committee report in England and Wales, and a bill in the Scottish Parliament, are set to bring fresh perspectives to this debate.
Rantzen, renowned for her 21-year stint on BBC’s “That’s Life!” and her pivotal role in founding ChildLine, advocates for individuals having autonomy over their end-of-life choices. While acknowledging concerns about potential abuses in assisted dying laws, she emphasises the need to consider the benefits alongside the risks.
The global landscape of assisted dying varies, with countries like Belgium, Canada, and the Netherlands legalizing euthanasia, and others like Switzerland permitting assisted suicide without euthanasia. In contrast, the UK maintains a conservative stance, highlighted by Baroness Ilora Findlay, who argues for improved end-of-life care over legal changes.
Nearly a year after her diagnosis, Rantzen reflects on her unexpected journey with cancer, expressing gratitude for the extended time and looking forward to a significant Christmas celebration with her family. Her story intertwines her personal health struggles with broader societal issues, spotlighting the ongoing debate around assisted dying and its ethical, legal, and emotional dimensions.
