Overview

• Dame Esther Rantzen, the 83-year-old broadcaster and founder of Childline, has revealed that she is considering assisted dying if her condition does not improve after treatment for stage 4 lung cancer.
• She has joined Dignitas, a Swiss organization that provides physician-assisted suicide to members, and has called for a free vote on changing the rules about assisted dying in the UK.
• Assisted suicide is currently banned in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with a maximum prison sentence of 14 years.
• Dame Esther expressed concern about the potential legal repercussions for her family and friends if they were to accompany her to Zurich for the procedure.
• The Health and Social Care Committee is due to publish its report into assisted dying and assisted suicide in England and Wales, following an inquiry launched in December 2022.