Rita Marker, anti-euthanasia campaigner, dies aged 83 | National Catholic Register

Marker has traveled extensively both domestically and internationally, speaking out against euthanasia and assisted suicide.

Rita Marker, longtime advocate against assisted suicide, died October 30 at the age of 83.

Marker was born in Washington State in 1940 and her family settled in Steubenville, Ohio. After attending the International Right to Die Convention in Europe and dismayed by what she heard, she and her husband Mike created the International Task Force Against Euthanasia, later renamed the Patient Rights Council, where Rita was executive director. until the beginning of this year.

Marker was a devout Catholic, and she and her husband, married for six decades, were appointed to the Vatican’s Pontifical Council for the Family by St. John Paul II.

The Catholic Church has long supported palliative care in the face of incurable illness and pain, which involves holistic management of human suffering. Assisted suicide and euthanasia, which involve the intentional taking of life, are never permissible according to Catholic teaching, although withholding “extraordinary means” of medical treatment and allowing natural death are morally permissible.

As head of the Patients’ Rights Council, Marker wrote the 1995 bookDeadly Compassion: The Death of Anne Humphrey and the Truth About Euthanasiaabout the high-profile suicide of an euthanasia advocate whom Marker later became a friend.

Marker has traveled extensively both domestically and internationally, advocating against euthanasia and assisted suicide, and overcoming personal issues such as stage fright and fear of flying. She has appeared frequently on radio and news programs, including EWTN Pro-Life Weekly, to raise awareness of the issue.

Recognizing the importance of legal knowledge in defending against assisted suicide, Marker, who had a master’s degree in music, earned her law degree while working full time for the Patient Rights Board and passed the California bar exam on her first try. She used her legal knowledge to analyze legislation and develop strategies to counteract Assisted suicide laws.

One of Marker’s priorities was to protect the rights of vulnerable patients who might be at risk of coercion or exploitation under assisted suicide laws. Through the Patient Rights Council, she was able to provide information and assistance, encouraging people to actively advocate for themselves through the development of advance directives. She has also developed relationships with leaders in the palliative care field to offer resources on pain management and better end-of-life care options.

Jason Negri, a Michigan lawyer who served on the Patient Rights Council under Marker, credited Marker for shaping his career and influencing his work in the field of end-of-life care, as well as her tireless efforts in that area. of the vulnerable.

“In the field of end-of-life issues, Rita was a legend. She has pioneered and refined the effective fight against assisted suicide and deserves credit for many victories on behalf of medically vulnerable people over the past 30 years,” Negri told CNA.

“Rita was tireless in her efforts, speaking out around the world whenever assisted suicide and euthanasia became a threat to people. She recognized that we need to not only counter these dangerous trends, but also provide resources and help to those experiencing suffering and despair.”

Negri said he first met Marker when she was a professor at his college, and she readily provided him with information and instructions about end-of-life care. Their relationship led to a job offer after Negri graduated from law school.

“Under Rita’s tutelage, I learned to analyze assisted suicide legislation, speak publicly about medical and ethical issues at the end of life, and teach others the most compelling ways to address these issues,” he noted.

Marker is survived by seven children, as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.