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

CNA Staff, Nov 5, 2024 / 13:30 pm

Rita Marker, a longtime advocate against assisted suicide, died Oct. 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 becoming alarmed by what she heard, she and her husband, Mike, established the International Anti-Euthanasia Task Force, later renamed the Patients Rights Council, where Rita served as the executive director until earlier 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 both involve the intentional taking of life — are never permissible under Catholic teaching, though withholding “extraordinary means” of medical treatment and allowing death to occur naturally is morally permissible.

In her 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 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 a fear of flying. She frequently appeared on radio and news programs, including “EWTN Pro-life Weekly,” to raise awareness about the issue. 

Recognizing the importance of legal expertise in advocating against assisted suicide, 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 her first attempt. She used her legal knowledge to analyze legislation and develop strategies to oppose assisted suicide laws.

One of Marker’s priorities was protecting 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 individuals to actively protect themselves by creating advance medical directives. She 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 lawyer who worked for the Patients Rights Council under Marker, ​​offered appreciation to Marker for shaping his career and influencing his work in the field of 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 indefatigable in her efforts, speaking worldwide whenever assisted suicide and euthanasia started threatening people. She recognized that we needed to not just oppose these dangerous trends but provide resources and assistance to those experiencing suffering and desperation.”

Negri said he first encountered Marker when she was his college professor, and she readily provided him information and instruction on end-of-life care. Their relationship led to a job offer after Negri graduated law school. 

“Under Rita’s tutelage, I learned how to analyze legislation on assisted suicide, speak publicly on end-of-life medial and ethical issues, and train others on the most persuasive ways to address these matters,” he noted. 

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