‘She didn’t want that pain’: Paola Marra’s brother despairs of Lords block on assisted dying bill | Assisted dying

The United Kingdom’s assisted dying bill is stalled in the House of Lords, two years after Paola Marra publicly appealed for a change in the law before traveling to Switzerland to end her life. Her brother is now protesting outside Parliament on the anniversary of her death.

Paola Marra’s Journey and Plea

Paola Marra, 53, died on March 20, 2024, after documenting her journey to Dignitas in Switzerland through photographs and a short film by photographer Rankin, as well as in an interview with the Guardian. The Canadian-born former music industry and charity worker ended her life after suffering from terminal breast and bowel cancer.

Marra expressed fear of dying in pain, stating, “I’m not scared to die. I’m scared of dying in pain.” She also argued that legalizing the practice in the UK was “insane,” citing the financial burden – £15,000 in her case – and the potential for those unable to afford it to face painful deaths or be driven to take their own lives.

Bill Stalled in the House of Lords

Having passed in the House of Commons last year by a majority of 55, the bill, which would allow terminally ill adults in England and Wales expected to die within six months to seek assistance in ending their lives, has encountered significant obstacles in the Lords. More than 1,200 amendments, primarily from opponents of the bill, have been tabled.

With only three days of debate remaining before the King’s speech in May, approximately half of the amendments remain undiscussed, raising concerns that the bill will run out of time and fail. Tony Marra, 57, has traveled from Canada to join campaigners organized by Dignity in Dying in Parliament Square on Friday to protest what they describe as “filibustering” by a small number of peers.

Recent Setbacks and Public Opinion

Earlier this week, the Scottish parliament voted 69 to 57 against legalizing assisted dying. Tony Marra expressed his despair, stating, “It’s shocking that there’s just a handful of peers blocking progress in allowing compassionate assisted dying.” He emphasized the importance of control for those facing terminal illness, adding, “It always comes back to control…After a disease has ravaged you for years, to actually say: ‘Well no, in my final days I’m the one that’s in control, not this disease.’”

Marra shared that his sister had hoped to travel to Zurich with him, planning a final trip to enjoy Swiss chocolate, but ultimately went alone due to legal concerns. He also noted that the need to travel to Switzerland alone shortened her life by several months.

Despite consistent public opinion polls showing around three-quarters of UK citizens in favor of assisted dying with strict controls, opponents fear it could pressure vulnerable individuals. More than 100 Labour MPs have urged Keir Starmer to ensure time for a decision, but it appears unlikely, according to reports.

Sarah Wootton, chief executive of Dignity in Dying, stated, “Paola’s death has a lasting legacy…But people are still having to make the same impossible journeys…That will continue until parliament is allowed a final say on the terminally ill adults (end of life) bill.”