A British woman has died by euthanasia after making an emotional final statement.
Tracy Hickman, 57, who had terminal cancer, died in New Zealand on 22 May.
She had previously expressed her wish for people in her position to be able to decide for themselves when the time is right, rather than having to anticipate an 'uncertain and painful death'.
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Broadcaster Dom Harvey - who had previously interviewed Tracy - shared the news, explaining on Facebook: "Tracy Hickman passed away peacefully today.
"She was on a beach in the sunshine, surrounded by her loved ones. It was exactly what she wanted.
"It was an honour being able to share her story."
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Speaking to The Guardian before her death, the cancer sufferer had addressed MPs as she said: "Look at what New Zealand has done, and do it even better.
"There is a lot of focus on the right to life, but people should have the right to a peaceful, gentle death."
Her sister Linda Clarke, who lives in the UK, echoed her call for change as she said that without the options available in New Zealand being on the table, she would have had to watch her sibling 'go through a horrific death'.
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Tracy hoped that sharing her story would help others, like Linda - who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 and also Parkinson's in 2020 - to be able to make their own decisions about dying.
Her sister added: "My cancer could come back. I don't know what my future is. I live in the UK, but I want the same choices that Tracy has. I want the right to choose."
Currently, in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, assisted suicide is banned with a maximum prison sentence of 14 years.
There’s no specific offence for it in Scotland, but euthanasia is illegal and can be prosecuted as murder or manslaughter.
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Laws in New Zealand, brought in under the End of Life Choice Act in 2019, allow competent adults to choose an assisted death under the conditions that they have a terminal illness, are aged 18 or over and have six months to live.
Prior to her passing, Tracy had been saying goodbye to her loved ones, doing 'nice things' and a 'bit of life admin' as the day drew closer - adding that she was 'so sorry for causing distress to my family and friends, although they understand'.
Speaking about the moment, she had said: "I’ll hear the sound of the waves. It will be very gentle."
Topics: News
Lucy Devine