With Dame Esther Rantzen approaching her 85th birthday, her daughter Rebecca Wilcox is making a heartfelt appeal for support of the Assisted Dying Bill, which is set for a crucial vote in the House of Commons this Friday. The legislation aims to offer terminally ill individuals the option of a dignified and compassionate death.
Rebecca, 45, told the Express, “If the bill passes on Friday, it will be a wonderful birthday gift for my mother and our family — and it would bring hope to thousands of terminally ill people now and in the future. I urge everyone to write to their MPs to voice support for a compassionate change in the law. MPs must listen to the majority of their constituents who want choice at the end of life.”
Following the news that her current cancer treatment is no longer effective, Dame Esther has begun a new approach to managing her illness. During a Sky News interview on Wednesday, Rebecca updated the public on her mother’s condition, noting that she is “coping” with the challenging journey. “We’re hoping to have a peaceful weekend, especially as it’s her birthday on Sunday,” she said.
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Rebecca expressed deep gratitude for the quality time they have shared, adding, “We are so thankful for every moment, particularly as she turns 85 looking absolutely fabulous.”
On Friday morning, Rebecca plans to join a rally in Parliament Square to advocate for the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill ahead of its third reading. While the previous second reading passed with a majority of 55, shifting political support means the vote outcome is uncertain. Over 20 MPs have signaled they may reverse their support, raising concerns about whether the bill will pass.
Reflecting on the confusing political climate, Rebecca shared, “It’s disorienting not knowing exactly how we should feel about it. But we remain hopeful. The public overwhelmingly supports this compassionate law, and we urge everyone to keep contacting their MPs.”
Dame Esther made headlines in December 2023 when she disclosed her terminal lung cancer diagnosis and registration with Dignitas, underscoring her wish to die on her own terms. She expressed a desire to spare her family distressing final memories, famously stating that such memories “obliterate all the happy times.”
Rebecca praised Labour MP Kim Leadbeater’s bill, describing it as a “smart, safe law that would end the cruel status quo.” She emphasized that her mother’s fight transcends personal circumstances, aiming to secure choice for all future patients faced with terminal illness: “This bill isn’t just for my family; it’s for everyone who may need it one day.”
Addressing concerns about potential impacts on suicide rates and mental health, Rebecca shared her own struggles and clarified that the bill is about easing the final days of those already dying, not endorsing suicide. “This law shortens death, not life,” she said. “It offers relief when palliative care no longer works and respects the dignity of those facing the end.”
Rebecca confronted misinformation spread by opponents, calling it “scaremongering” that fuels unfounded fears. She argued that the bill represents a humane choice for terminally ill people to end their suffering peacefully.
If the bill fails to pass on Friday, Rebecca acknowledged it would be “a fair democratic process” but vowed to continue fighting for change: “There are thousands facing what my mother is going through, and I cannot give up on them or this cause. The country needs to catch up with the 300 million people worldwide who already have access to compassionate assisted dying laws.”
She concluded passionately, “I may grow older and greyer, but I will never stop advocating for the empathy and choice that terminally ill patients deserve at life’s end.”