Dame Esther Rantzen, the broadcaster and founder of Childline, has spoken out about her terminal lung cancer diagnosis and her wish for a change in the law on assisted dying. She said she envies the peaceful death of her dog, who was put down surrounded by family, and that current law denies her the same merciful end.
Rantzen, 83, revealed she has joined Dignitas and will have to travel to Zurich to die, costing at least £15,000, as the only way to ensure a pain-free death. She cannot ask her family to accompany her for fear they could face investigation for manslaughter under current law, which she described as a ‘cruel mess’.
She highlighted a recent Westminster Hall debate on assisted dying, which followed a petition she helped spearhead with 200,000 signatures. The debate drew many MPs but did not lead to a vote or change in law. Rantzen believes the time for change has come, noting that the British Medical Association has withdrawn its opposition since 2015.
Rantzen acknowledged opposition from some religious groups and disabled people, but argued that the proposed reform would only apply to terminally ill patients with six months or less to live, and would not affect disabled people unless they become terminally ill. She stressed that no doctor would be compelled to participate against their beliefs.
