Posted on 01/01/2024 5:37:22 PM PST by nickcarraway
Is there a dignified way to face life’s end? Dame Esther Rantzen, the renowned broadcaster, has publicly declared her membership with Dignitas, a Swiss clinic known for assisting in dignified deaths.
On Tuesday, December 19, Dame Esther, 83, shared a fascinating interview on the BBC Today podcast her current engagement in a ‘miracle’ treatment for her stage four, the most advanced, lung cancer, and her thoughts about assisted death in Zurich, Switzerland, where it is legal.
Facing Cancer With Courage And Choice
Dame Esther’s choice to join Dignitas stems from her desire to spare her family from witnessing a painful end. Reflecting on life’s experiences and the loss of loved ones she said that her dog had a better death than any human she had known.
She explained, ‘I might buzz off to Zurich,’ but admitted that if her family accompanied her ‘the police might prosecute them.’ Her decision reflects a broader consideration about the end-of-life experience, not just for herself but also for her loved ones.
Assisted dying remains a contentious topic in the UK, with varying laws across its nations. In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, assisting suicide can lead to a 14-year prison sentence, whereas in Scotland, it may be prosecuted as murder or manslaughter.
Legal And Ethical Considerations In Assisted Dying
The Health and Social Care Committee is set to publish a report on assisted dying and suicide, following an inquiry launched in December 2022. This inquiry aims to explore diverse perspectives on this sensitive issue.
Dame Esther, reflecting on her hypothetical role as prime minister, stated, ‘I would get them to do a free vote on assisted dying.’
Her views are echoed by campaigners who argue for the right to choose one’s end, especially in terminal illnesses. However, opponents worry about the risks to vulnerable individuals.
Should The Public Have A Choice?
The broadcaster has always stood up for those needing help and assistance and is famed for founding charities such as Childline and Silverline. In the podcast she raised some thought-provoking topics.
Despite the inevitability of life, the subject of death is not an easy one to discuss. Esther’s husband, Desmond Wilcox, died some years ago and Rantzen made a documentary shortly afterwards entitled ‘How to have a good death.’ In she highlighted what people considered to be a good death.
In Europe, as of 2023, euthanasia is legal in Spain, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands with Portugal awaiting regulation.
In Spain, euthanasia spanned many years of public debate. However, it wasn’t until June 25, 2021, that the significant Organic Law 3/2021, dated March 24, was enacted to regulate euthanasia. This pivotal moment positioned Spain as the fourth European nation to establish formal euthanasia laws.
The law outlines specific conditions that must be met for a euthanasia request to be considered valid. These include the individual suffering from a serious, chronic, and incapacitating condition or an incurable and intense illness. Additionally, the person must demonstrate clear mental capacity to make such a decision.
In the first year following the law’s implementation, 336 Spaniards applied for euthanasia, with 180 of these applications being fulfilled.
This legislation emphasizes the importance of respecting patient autonomy while simultaneously ensuring that medical professionals have the right to refuse participation in such procedures by declaring themselves as conscientious objectors
Cherishing Life’s Precious Moments
Despite her diagnosis, Dame Esther has surpassed her own expectations of survival, celebrating her birthday in June and looking forward to a cherished Christmas. ‘I certainly didn’t think I’d make this Christmas, which I am,’ she remarked.
Dame Esther’s wish to relive this upcoming Christmas once it has passed underscores the value she places on these moments with her family. Her journey with cancer has been one of gratitude and reflection, expressing ‘profound thanks to everyone who has made my life so joyful.’
Coward’s way out.
Slit your wrists.
Go for a swim in boiling oil.
Tell someone you have incriminating information about Hillary.
I don't care.
But stop with the narcissistic "Look at me! Look at ME!" you attention whore.
And do not bring other people into your self immolation. Don't shove it off onto someone else. Take personal responsibility for once in your selfish existence.
Suicide should be legal. A right. It’s called informed consent. Libertarian. Instead what you end with here is somebody else having to clean up the mess.
Exactly. Thank you. Exactly.
Theres always a mess of some kind when a person dies, there’s inherent legal issues always existent with something like this. Some insurance policies do not pay out if someone self-deletes. Inheritances, ownership transfers of things,...always some kind of mess left.
They would be appalled at this kind of thing.
Satan will be waiting for her and those that murder her.
Suicide should be legal
——————————————————-
Legal? If it’s done, right I’ve never known anyone to be prosecuted over it.
My friend’s mother had Lou Gehrigs...she and her sisters are pretty sure Mom’s man friend and she made an agreement that when she reached a certain point he would help her along. I would not blame them.
I’ve contemplated your question my whole life. My Mother’s cousin committed suicide after spending most of her life battling mental issues. She was a tormented soul that was the kindest, gentlest of people. I was 6 when she died. I asked my Mom if she would be spared from an eternity in Hell because of her illness and my Mom could only say that she hoped so. I hope so, too.
The family needs the suffering to come to grips with God’s plan. Spare God the dropping her butt in hell.
During the day we were obviously out looking at elephants,giraffes,etc.But tourists aren't allowed in the park at night (lions love to hunt at night) so we'd sit around a fire and eat and talk.The Professor kind of conducted a class for the young Germans one night...that I,too,found fascinating.
At one point I asked Marten a question about the brain and,unable to give an answer,he just said "scientists know more about the surface of the moon than they know about the human brain".
And yes,both the Swede and the Germans spoke English better than me!
It is something between them and their belief system. Some are active, some are passive, some would not under any circumstances.
But this blaring out to the world?
It is goash beyond belief.
And the concept of "let's openly murder people and call it good" does not end well for any society that embraces it.
Agree with all you wrote.
She should send her manservant out to score some fentanyl.
“both the Swede and the Germans spoke English better than me!”
A Czech and a Swede told me their excellent English came from watching “Baywatch” and “Alf”.
What’s with the title ‘Dame’? She has been an attention whore for quite a while.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.