‘We need to talk about choice’: Paola Marra who ended life at Dignitas urges change to UK law

I like to start this blog post with an image which shows the joy of life ...

'Assisted dying is not about giving up. In fact, it's about reclaiming control. It's not about death. It's about dignity.'

'It's about giving people the right to end their suffering on their own terms, with compassion and respect.'

'So as you watch this, I am dead. But you watching this could help change the laws around assisted dying.'

Paola Marra, a 53-year-old cancer patient, passed away at the Dignitas clinic in Switzerland following a struggle with breast and bowel cancer. Before her death, she implored politicians to reconsider the UK’s laws on assisted dying, which she described as cruel. She shared an open letter and a film, explaining why she opted for assisted death and stated the current laws forced individuals to endure excruciating suffering or pay significant amounts to travel to Dignitas. Although widely banned in the UK, assisted dying campaigns are increasing, with the latest polls suggesting widespread support across all UK constituencies.

Before dying off from cancer at 53, Paola Marra spoke up against laws that made her feel like a criminal for choosing assisted death. She recorded a candid video and wrote an open letter, explaining her pain and calling for law reform.

Heart-wrenchingly, she shared how she was driven to contend with her fate alone, abroad at the Swiss Clinic, Dignitas. She didn't want her family, who still reside in Canada, facing trouble with law enforcement.

Paola's battle with breast and bowel cancer left her no choice but assisted death. She highlighted the unbearable pain, loss of dignity, and blossoming despair that followed her diagnosis in 2017, and later, the inevitable news of her incurability in 2021.

Before her passing, she reiterated that assisted dying was not an act of giving up but reclaiming control. More about dignity than death, it was about giving suffering people the last say on their terms and the respect they deserved.

Her uphill battle drew attention from celebrity photographer Rankin, who was touched by how she wished for others to ease their future suffering even as she neared her end. (a few pictures you can find on DailyMail)

Unfortunately, she's not alone. Many have suffered in silence due to the high costs of pursuing assisted death abroad. UK MP Kit Malthouse echoed Marra's sentiments, reporting that many politicians lobbied for assisted death after watching loved ones writhe in agony. He believed Marra's poignant story will shed light on the cruelty of current laws.

Marra’s parting appeal: Acknowledge the pain, embrace dignity, and review the assisted dying law urgently.

Assisted dying is banned in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with a maximum prison sentence of 14 years. 

Please sign Paola’s open letter and join us in urgently calling for a Parliamentary debate on assisted dying.  https://action.dignityindying.org.uk/page/146191/petition/1

Or visit Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/dignityindying/

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