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

Rita Marker, long-time activist against assisted suicide, died on October 30 at the age of 83.

Born in Washington state in 1940, Marker and her family settled in Steubenville, Ohio. After attending an international convention on the right to die in Europe and being alarmed by what she heard, she and her husband, Mike, created the International Anti-Euthanasia Task Force, later renamed the Rights Council of patients, of which Rita served as 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 on the Family by St. John Paul II.

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

In her role as president of the Patients’ 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 later adopted as a friend.

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

Recognizing the importance of legal expertise in the fight against assisted suicide, Marker, who holds a master’s degree in music, pursued a law degree while working full-time at the Patients’ Rights Council, passing the California bar exam on his 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 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 individuals to actively protect themselves by creating advance medical directives. She has also established relationships with leaders in the palliative care field to offer resources on pain control and better end-of-life options.

Jason Negri, a Michigan-based attorney who worked for the Patients’ Rights Council under Marker, thanked Marker for shaping his career and influencing his work in end-of-life care as well as for his tireless efforts in favor of Marker. vulnerable people.

“When it comes to end-of-life issues, Rita was a legend. She pioneered and perfected effective opposition to assisted suicide and deserves credit for many victories on behalf of the medically vulnerable over the past 30 years,” Negri told CNA.

“Rita was tireless in her efforts, speaking out around the world whenever assisted suicide and euthanasia began to threaten people. She recognized that we must not only oppose these dangerous trends, but also provide resources and assistance to those who are suffering and desperate.

Negri said he first met Marker when she was his college professor, 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 related to end of life, and educate others on the most compelling ways to approach these questions,” he stressed.

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