Esther Rantzen advocates for right to choose end-of-life options
- Dame Esther Rantzen is campaigning for the legalization of assisted dying in the UK, particularly for terminally ill patients.
- She has shared personal experiences and stories of others who have suffered due to the lack of options for a dignified death.
- Rantzen believes that legalizing assisted dying could provide relief for patients and their families, allowing for a compassionate end-of-life choice.
In the UK, Dame Esther Rantzen, the founder of Childline, has publicly advocated for the legalization of assisted dying, particularly for those suffering from terminal illnesses. At 84 years old and battling stage four cancer herself, she has expressed her desire for individuals to have the right to choose a dignified end to their lives. Rantzen is urging the public to contact their local MPs as a bill proposed by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater approaches discussion in Parliament for the first time in nearly a decade. She emphasizes that the current laws are cruel, citing personal stories of individuals who have suffered without the option of a pain-free death. Rantzen has also criticized the Archbishop of Westminster for his opposition to assisted dying, arguing that personal faith should not dictate the choices available to others. She believes that legalizing assisted dying could alleviate the suffering of patients and their families, allowing for a more compassionate approach to end-of-life care.