The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) will continue to oppose a change in the law on assisted dying, following a consultation of its members. The decision was ratified by the RCGP Council at its meeting on Friday (21 Feb 2020).
The consultation surveyed the members from across the UK, and 6674 members, approximately 13.5 per cent, responded. Members were asked whether the College should change its current position of opposing a change in the law on assisted dying.
Forty-seven per cent of respondents said the RCGP should oppose a change in the law on assisted dying, whereas 40 per cent said the College should support a change in the law, providing there are a regulatory framework and appropriate safeguarding processes in place. However, 11 per cent felt the College should have a neutral position.
Professor Martin Marshall, RCGP Chair, said: "Assisted dying is a controversial topic and this was reflected in the responses to our consultation. However, the highest proportion of respondents said that the College should continue to oppose a change in the law on assisted dying."
He said the role of the College now is to ensure that patients receive the best possible palliative and end-of-life care.
