Zoe Marley-Hyatt, a woman who witnessed both her mum and husband choose to end their lives due to agonizing terminal illnesses, is advocating for the Assisted Dying Bill that passed with a majority vote by MPs. The law change would allow terminally ill adults with less than six months to live the option to end their lives legally, with medical assistance. Zoe hopes this change will spare other families the pain and stigma she endured when her loved ones chose to end their lives.
In June 2021, Zoe’s husband Andrew, 72, chose to end his life after being diagnosed with cancer. His deteriorating health robbed him of his independence and dignity, leading him to research how to peacefully end his suffering. Zoe supported his decision, and they shared an intimate moment before Andrew passed away. Despite the relief of seeing his pain end, Zoe felt like a criminal due to the current laws that prevent medical assistance for dying. The passing of the Assisted Dying Bill would have made a significant difference in their situation.
Zoe’s mother, Judith, also chose to end her life in 2018 after battling an aggressive form of skin cancer. Judith’s failed attempt to end her life only added to her suffering, and she ultimately succeeded a month later. Zoe believes that the Assisted Dying Bill would have provided comfort and a more peaceful death for her mother if it had been in place at the time. Witnessing both her mother and husband’s struggles has strengthened Zoe’s resolve to advocate for compassionate end-of-life choices.
Opponents of the Assisted Dying Bill raise concerns about the risk of vulnerable people being coerced into ending their lives. Campaign groups like Care Not Killing argue that legalizing assisted dying could put pressure on vulnerable individuals to choose death out of fear of being a burden. However, supporters like Zoe believe that the proposed law would provide safeguards and transparency, ensuring that every case is reviewed by a High Court judge to prevent coercion and protect the rights of terminally ill individuals.
Zoe, who shared her story with the Commons Health and Social Care Committee to provide evidence for the assisted dying inquiry, emphasizes that the law change is about compassion, dignity, and choice. She believes that no one should have to endure unnecessary suffering when there is a kinder option available. Zoe acknowledges the potential for abuse but argues that the proposed law includes safeguards to protect vulnerable individuals and ensure that end-of-life decisions are made with autonomy and care.
For Zoe, the passing of the Assisted Dying Bill signifies a significant step forward in the fight for end-of-life choices. She hopes that the legislation will spare other families the trauma and stigma she experienced when her loved ones chose to end their lives. By sharing her story and advocating for change, Zoe is working towards a future where terminally ill individuals have the right to die on their own terms, with compassion and dignity.
