Esther Rantzen's heartbreaking final words before 'unbearable' death
Dame Esther Rantzen, who died on September 30, has left a "goodbye and thank you" note following her death aged 86. The former That's Life presenter addressed all of those who campaigned for the "crucial life and death issue" alongside her as she encouraged campaigners to "battle on", saying she wished the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill would have come into force in time to offer her a "swift, pain-free death" before lung cancer made her life "unbearable".
TL;DR
- Dame Esther Rantzen died aged 86, leaving a final note urging continued support for assisted dying reform.
- She expressed regret that the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill did not become law in time for her to have a swift, pain-free death.
- Rantzen stated that the current law prevented her from having a choice over her death, even though she had support from a hospice.
- She thanked supporters of the assisted dying campaign and addressed opponents respectfully, but urged them not to impose their choices on the vulnerable.
- Assisted suicide is currently banned in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with a maximum prison sentence of 14 years.