November 29th 2024.
As we look ahead, we must also look back. Dame Esther Rantzen, a well-known television presenter, has made a bold statement regarding the upcoming debate on the Assisted Dying Bill. She has vowed to “come back and haunt” any Members of Parliament who do not support the proposed legislation on assisted dying. This bill, which has sparked much controversy, will be voted on this Friday, where MPs will decide whether or not the bill should advance to the next stage of parliamentary scrutiny.
If the Private Members’ Bill becomes law, it would legalize assisted dying for terminally ill adults in the UK. This would mean that with the agreement of two doctors and a High Court judge, a person who is suffering from a terminal illness would be able to die with the assistance of medical staff. This is a highly debated topic, and Dame Esther Rantzen, now 80 years old, has been a vocal advocate for changing the current law. In fact, she publicly announced her own diagnosis of lung cancer in 2023 and later revealed that she had joined the Dignitas assisted dying clinic in Switzerland in December of last year.
When asked about what she would do if the law remains unchanged, Dame Esther replied that she would go to Dignitas for an assisted death, which she hopes would be quick, kind, merciful, and easy. And then, she boldly declared, she would come back and “haunt” those MPs who did not support the change. She firmly believes that the current law is “cruel” and has been fighting to change it for the sake of not only herself but also others who may face a similar situation.
Dame Esther’s strong stance on this issue stems from her concerns for her own family. If she were to choose assisted dying, her loved ones could potentially face prosecution and up to 14 years in prison if they were to accompany her to the clinic. She emphasized that she does not want her family to witness her suffering through a painful death. She also addressed concerns about the impact the bill could have on people with disabilities, stating that it only applies to terminally ill individuals in the last six months of their lives.
The Assisted Dying Bill has been fast-tracked to a vote after being introduced in mid-October as a Private Members’ Bill. This has caused controversy among members of the house, who have expressed concerns about the speed and lack of safeguards in the bill. Despite these concerns, the bill will be put to a ‘free vote’ on Friday, allowing MPs to vote according to their personal values and those of their constituents, rather than being influenced by party whips.
In conclusion, the upcoming vote on the Assisted Dying Bill has sparked strong opinions from both sides of the debate. Dame Esther Rantzen, a leading figure in this fight for change, has made her stance clear and has been vocal about her support for the bill. The decision made by MPs on Friday will have a significant impact on the lives of many, and it is a topic that continues to spark important discussions and debates.
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