Dame Esther Rantzen’s daughter issues statement after monumental assisted dying ruling
Dame Esther Rantzen’s daughter Rebecca Wilcox has shared a statement in light of the notable passing of the assisted dying bill on Friday.
Rantzen, who is turning 85 this week, has terminal lung cancer and has advocated for the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill to be passed.
Back in November, MPs voted in favour of the bill, and on June 20 it was passed with a majority of 23 votes.
Reacting to the significant news, her daughter Wilcox, 45, posted a message on social media after stating earlier this week that the move would be a “wonderful birthday present” for the beloved broadcaster.
Sharing a snap taken at a campaign for the legislation, she wrote: “An historic day!!
“I’m so relieved and grateful, thank you to everyone who shared their story and helped to campaign so that compassion and choice won out and the Bill was passed today. What a privilege to be part of this process!”
While MPs voted in favour of the bill, it still has to go through the same stages it went though in the Commons in the House of Lords before MPs have a final say on the matter.
Responding to Wilcox’s post, several congratulated her in the comment section.
“This is such great news Well done, Rebecca for all of your campaigning,” one wrote, with a second adding: “Well done Becca.”
“Great news, Rebecca you have done Mum proud as she battles her illness,” a third shared.
“Excellent news. So proud of everyone involved,” a fourth commented while another penned: “Well done to you and your mum and all the people who have made this happen.”
“Fantastic news, thank you @soverybecca for all that you and the rest of the campaigners have done to make this happen,” one more wrote.
Speaking just days ago, Wilcox shared how much the move would mean to her mother.
“We are really hopeful that we have the numbers,” she explained, urging the public to contact their MPs.
She emphasised to Sky News that “nationally, the numbers are with us,” referring to public support for the legislation.
Dame Esther, who has terminal lung cancer, turns 85 on Sunday. Ms Wilcox provided an update on her mother’s health, revealing that Rantzen’s “wonder” cancer medication had stopped working and she has begun a new treatment regimen.
“She’s coping. This has been a long slog, and we’re hoping that we can maybe have a rest this weekend, particularly as it is her birthday on Sunday,” Ms Wilcox told the news outlet on Wednesday.
Despite the challenges, she expressed gratitude for the time with her mother.
“We are so grateful and so appreciative of all the time that we have with her, particularly as she turns 85 looking rather fabulous.”
Rantzen revealed in December 2023 that she had registered with Dignitas following her terminal lung cancer diagnosis, saying she did not want her family left with painful memories of her final days.
Ms Wilcox defended the Bill as a “really safe, clever piece of law” and rejected claims of a “slippery slope,” insisting safeguards would prevent expansion beyond terminally ill adults.
“It’s a Bill for the terminally ill. It’s a Bill for adults, and in every jurisdiction where they’ve had a similar Bill with such strict safeguards it is not extended to anybody else,” she told Sky.
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She accused opponents of “scaremongering” regarding concerns about vulnerable people with depression or eating disorders. “You can’t just be depressed. You can’t just have an eating disorder,” she said.
The proposed legislation would allow terminally ill adults in England and Wales with fewer than six months to live to apply for assisted death, requiring approval from two doctors and a panel including a social worker, senior legal figure and psychiatrist.