Rita Marker, a prolific anti-euthanasia advocate, dies at 83

CNA Staff, November 5, 2024 / 1:30 PM

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

Marker was born in Washington State in 1940 and settled with her family in Steubenville, Ohio. After attending an international convention on the right to die in Europe and becoming alarmed by what she heard, she and her husband Mike founded the International Anti-Euthanasia Task Force, later renamed the Patients’ Rights Council, where Rita was executive director . until earlier this year.

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

The Catholic Church has long supported palliative care for terminal illness and pain, which involves the holistic management of a person’s suffering. Assisted suicide and euthanasia – both of which involve the intentional taking of life – are never permitted under Catholic teaching, although withholding “extraordinary means” of medical treatment and allowing death to occur naturally is morally permissible.

In her role as head of the Patient Rights Council, Marker wrote the 1995 book ‘Deadly Compassion: The Death of Ann Humphry and the Truth About Euthanasia’ about the high-profile suicide of a euthanasia advocate whom Marker had later embraced as a friend.

Marker traveled extensively, both domestically and internationally, to speak out against euthanasia and assisted suicide, overcoming personal challenges such as stage fright and fear of flying. She regularly appeared on radio and news programs, including ‘EWTN Pro-life Weekly’, to raise awareness of the issue.

Marker, who had a master’s degree in music, recognized the importance of legal expertise in advocating against assisted suicide and pursued a law degree while working full-time at the Patient Rights Council, passing the California bar exam on its first attempt. She used her legal knowledge to analyze legislation and develop strategies to oppose assisted suicide laws.

One of Marker’s priorities was to protect the rights of vulnerable patients who may be at risk of coercion or exploitation under assisted suicide legislation. Through the Patient Rights Council, she was able to provide information and assistance and encourage individuals to actively protect themselves by establishing advance medical directives. She has also built relationships with palliative care leaders to provide resources on pain management and better end-of-life options.

Jason Negri, a Michigan-based attorney who worked under Marker at the Patient Rights Council, expressed his appreciation to Marker for shaping his career and influencing his work in end-of-life care, as well as for her tireless efforts to benefit of the patient. of the vulnerable.

“In the field of end-of-life issues, Rita was a legend. She pioneered and perfected effective opposition to assisted suicide and is to be commended for many victories on behalf of the medically vulnerable over the past thirty years,” Negri told CNA.

“Rita was tireless in her efforts and spoke out worldwide when assisted suicide and euthanasia began to threaten people. She realized that we must not only counter these dangerous trends, but also provide resources and assistance to those experiencing suffering and despair.”

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

“Under Rita’s guidance, I have learned how to analyze assisted suicide law, speak publicly on media and ethical end-of-life issues, and train others in the most compelling ways to address these issues,” noted he up.

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