By Jonas McKeown

CNA Staff, November 5, 2024 / 1:30 p.m.

Rita Marker, a long-time advocate against assisted suicide, He 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 right-to-die convention in Europe and being alarmed by what she heard, she and her husband, Mike, established the International Anti-Euthanasia Working Group, later renamed the Patients’ Rights Council, where Rita served as executive director. until the beginning of this year.

Marker was a devout Catholic and she and her husband, who were 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 in the face of terminal illness and pain, which involves the holistic management of a person’s suffering. Assisted suicide and euthanasia, which involve intentional suicide, are never permitted under Catholic teaching, although denying “extraordinary means” of medical treatment and allowing death to occur naturally is morally permissible.

In her role as director of the Patients’ Rights Council, Marker wrote the 1995 book “Deadly Compassion: The Death of Ann Humphry and the Truth About Euthanasia”about the notorious suicide of a euthanasia advocate whom Marker had later accepted as a friend.

Marker traveled extensively, both nationally and internationally, to speak out against euthanasia and assisted suicide, overcoming personal challenges such as stage fright and fear of flying. He appeared frequently on radio and news programs, including “EWTN Pro-Life Weekly,”to raise awareness about the issue.

Recognizing the importance of legal experience in assisted suicide advocacy, Marker, who had a master’s degree in music, earned a law degree while working full-time at the Patients’ Rights Council, and passed the bar exam from California on his first attempt. He used his legal knowledge to analyze legislation and develop strategies to oppose it. 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 Patients’ Rights Council, she was able to provide information and assistance, encouraging people to actively protect themselves by creating advance medical directives. She also established relationships with leaders in the field of palliative care to offer resources on pain management and improved 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 the field of end-of-life care, as well as for their tireless efforts on behalf 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 deserves credit for many victories on behalf of the medically vulnerable over the past 30 years,” Negri told ACI Prensa.

“Rita was tireless in her efforts and spoke out around the world whenever assisted suicide and euthanasia began to threaten people. “She recognized that we needed to not only oppose 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 that she quickly provided 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 tutelage, I learned to analyze assisted suicide legislation, speak publicly about ethical and medical issues at the end of life, and train others on the most persuasive ways to address these issues,” he said.

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

Jonah McKeown is a writer and podcast producer for Catholic News Agency. He has a master’s degree from the University of Missouri School of Journalism and has worked as a writer, producer for public radio and videographer. It is based in San Luis.