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

Rita Marker, a longtime advocate 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, founded the International Working Group Against Euthanasia, later renamed the Patients’ Rights Council, where Rita was 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 for 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 – both of which involve the intentional taking of life – are never permitted according to Catholic teaching, although withholding “extraordinary means” of medical treatment and allowing death to occur naturally is morally permissible.

In his role as head 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 embraced as a friend.

Marker has 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. He appeared frequently on radio and news programs, incl EWTN Pro-life Weekly, to raise awareness of the issue.

Recognizing the importance of legal expertise in assisted suicide advocacy, Marker, who had 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 try. She used her legal knowledge to analyze legislation and develop opposition strategies assisted suicide laws.

One of Marker’s priorities has been protecting the rights of vulnerable patients who may 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 individuals to actively protect themselves by creating advance medical directives. She has also established relationships with leaders in palliative care to provide resources for pain management and better end-of-life options.

Jason Negri, a Michigan attorney who worked for the Patients’ Rights Council under Marker, credited Marker for shaping her career and influencing her work in end-of-life care, as well as her 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 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 provide resources and assistance to those facing suffering and despair.”

Negri said he first met Marker when she was his college professor and readily 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 how to analyze assisted suicide legislation, speak publicly about the ethical and environmental issues of end-of-life, and train others about the most compelling ways to address these issues,” he noted. .

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