Dame Esther's heartbreaking reason for wanting to join assisted dying clinic
Dame Esther Rantzen has opened up about her heartbreaking decision to join the physician-assisted suicide clinic, Dignitas.
The 83-year-old journalist is currently undergoing treatment for stage four lung cancer and is considering ending her life at the clinic based in Switzerland. Assisted suicide is banned in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with a maximum prison sentence of 14 years. Assisted dying opponents believe it may lead to people ending their lives out of fear of becoming a burden on their families.
Dame Esther said she wasn't sure whether she would live to celebrate her birthday earlier this year so it was "very unexpected" that she made it to the Christmas period. In a new interview, the presenter opened up about the difficult decision to join the controversial clinic.
Speaking about it, she said she wants to spare her family the agony of seeing her suffer a painful death.
Dame Esther joined the assisted dying clinic in Switzerland (Getty Images)Dame Esther said her decision was driven in part by her wish that her family's "last memories of me" are not "painful because if you watch someone you love having a bad death, that memory obliterates all the happy times".
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She said: "I have joined Dignitas. I thought, well, if the next scan says nothing’s working I might buzz off to Zurich but it puts my family and friends in a difficult position as they would want to go with me. The police might prosecute them. My family say it’s my choice. I explained to them that I don’t want their last memories of me to be painful.
"If you watch someone you love having a bad death, that memory obliterates all the happy times." Mum-of-three Dame Esther was asked on The Today Podcast, which is on BBC Sounds, what she would do if she was PM. She replied: "I would get a free vote on assisted dying. It’s important the law catches up with what the country wants."
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At the beginning of this year, the presenter revealed she was diagnosed with lung cancer. Dame Esther said in a statement: "In the last few weeks I have discovered that I am suffering from lung cancer which has now spread. At the moment I am undergoing various tests, to assess the best treatment.
"I have decided not to keep this secret any more because I find it difficult to skulk around various hospitals wearing an unconvincing disguise, and because I would rather you heard the facts from me. At the age of 82, this diagnosis has prompted me to look back over the years, and I want to express my profound thanks to everyone who has made my life so joyful, filled with fun, and with inspiration.
"First and foremost my family. My three children Miriam, Rebecca and Joshua have been the most wonderful support, company, and source of love and laughter and I am deeply grateful to them. My friends have been amazing and have created memories which sustain me and give me strength.
"My colleagues with whom I have worked, and continue to work with in broadcasting, journalism, the voluntary sector, and in many other organisations have been a constant pleasure, and have amazed me with their tolerance of my wild ideas and awful jokes. I have been continuously inspired by the courageous children, older people and viewers who have trusted me with their life stories. I have always tried to live up to that trust.
"As I am sure you will understand, while I am awaiting the results of the tests, I am unable to answer questions. Thanks to the extraordinary skills of the medical profession there are wonderful new treatments, so I am remaining optimistic," she finished.
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