Dame Esther Rantzen's heartbreaking fear if she's denied death on her own terms at Dignitas

Assisted dying campaigner Dame Esther Rantzen, who is no longer responding to cancer treatment, has explained why she is so frightened at the prospect of not being allowed to die at Dignitas at a time of her choosing

A staunch advocate for assisted dying, Dame Esther Rantzen has spoken candidly about her hopes for the final stages of her life after being diagnosed with cancer. The 84-year-old broadcaster, who is no longer responding to her medication for stage four lung cancer, has previously spoken about how she intends to "buzz off to Zurich" when the time comes, having already signed up as a member of the assisted dying clinic Dignitas.

Dame Esther has consistently shown her support for the Assisted Dying Bill, which is currently being debated by Parliament and would legalise assisted dying in the UK. However, if implemented, it could be several years before the law is enacted due to the additional safeguarding measures required.

Meanwhile, Dame Esther's family run the risk of prosecution should they accompany her to Dignitas - an offence that carries a potential prison term of up to 14 years. With so many obstacles in place, Esther has previously expressed concerns that she won't be able to fly out to Switzerland at a time of her choosing, leaving her with the prospect of a "bad death".

Opening up on a 2023 episode of Radio 4's The Today Podcast about her incredibly difficult decision, the That's Life! presenter explained that she wants her family to have "lasting memories" of her, adding: "Because if you watch someone you love having a bad death, that memory obliterates all the happy times".

This comes as Dame Esther's daughter Rebecca Wilcox shared a painful update with 5 News, where she was asked whether a new medication could help improve her mother's condition. Rebecca revealed: “I really wish that was true. I don’t think that’s the case anymore."

Rebecca has previously spoken openly about the prosecution risks she would face should she decide to accompany her mother, to Switzerland. In June 2024, Rebeeca told Hello!: "My mum said that she lost her mother, her husband and her dog within a very short time and that of the three, the dog had the most wonderful death, and the others didn't."

She continued: "We're just hoping that flight to Dignitas doesn't have to happen any time soon. I can't say whether I'd go with her because I'd face prosecution, which would be a nightmare at the worst time in my life and something I don't think I'd ever get over. [...] But it would be a very strange version of me that would let her go alone."

This week, the Isle of Man passed its bill on assisted dying, becoming the first place in the British Isles where those with terminal illnesses will be legally allowed to end their lives. The upper and lower chambers of the Manx parliament agreed on changes to the bill around how long an individual would have to reside on the island before passing it on Tuesday, March 25.

Under this legislation, terminally ill Manx residents with fewer than twelve months to live will have the choice of receiving help to end their own life. Legislative Council members discussed amendments such as cutting the residency criteria from five years to 12 months.

The bill will now go to Royal Assent, with the scheme set to be made available for terminally ill residents from 2027 onwards. The bill proposed in Westminster is limited to those with six months’ life expectancy or less.

Vicky Christian, Chair of My Death, My Decision Isle of Man said: "This is a historic day. This Bill will ensure people on the Isle of Man will finally have choice and dignity at the end of their lives. I am incredibly proud of our island for not only listening to its people but, more importantly, listening to those facing the end of life. In this debate, compassion and evidence have prevailed."

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