Calls for leading medical bodies to drop opposition to assisted dying welcomed by the BHA

An editorial in the British Medical Journal, calling for medical organisations to drop their opposition to assisted dying, has been welcomed by the British Humanist Association.

A number of organisations, including the British Medical Association (BMA) and Royal Colleges including the Royal College of General Practitioners (PDF) and the Royal College of Surgeons are officially opposed to assisted dying, whilst other medical organisations, including the Royal College of Nursing and the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh have no position. In 2005 the BMA voted to change their position to neutral, however this decision was overturned the following year.

Commenting on the debate, BHA Head of Public Affairs Pavan Dhaliwal said:

‘An overwhelming majority of the public support legalising assisted dying for mentally competent people who are permanently and incurably suffering, within a strict legal safeguards. This is also the view of the BHA, and we think that medical organisations must open themselves up for debate on this issue.

‘There are many medical practitioners who also believe that patients’ autonomy should be respected when making end of life choices – as evidenced by the group Healthcare Professionals for Assisting Dying – and it is only right that medical organisations declare themselves neutral on this matter in order to encompass this diversity of opinion.’

Notes

Read the BBC report on the editorial

Read more about the BHA’s work on Religious Assisted Dying

The 26th report of the British Social Attitudes Survey found 71% of religious people and 92% non-religious (82% in total) believe that a doctor should be allowed to end the life of a patient with an incurable disease. 

Related articles:

1. BHA gives evidence to Commission on Assisted Dying
2. First step towards assisted dying bill in Scotland welcomed
3. BHA submits written evidence to Commission on Assisted Dying
4. Evidence to the Assisted Dying Commission “emphasises the urgent need for reform” says the BHA
5. Important inquiry into assisted dying is launched