BHA welcomes Royal College of Nurses’ decision to drop opposition to assisted dying

27 July, 2009

The BHA has welcomed the Royal College of Nurses’ (RCN) decision to change their stance on assisted dying from one of opposition to one of neutrality.

Naomi Phillips, BHA Public Affairs Officer, said, ‘The RCN’s new policy is a welcome change, opening up the possibility of further discussion of assisted dying within the medical profession. It also brings the RCN closer in line with public opinion, with a new survey for The Times revealing ¾ of people support doctors being able to help people to end their lives.’

Ms Phillips continued, ‘It is our position that there is a right to die with dignity and that this includes the availability of physician assisted suicide for the terminally ill.’

Notes

For further comment or information, contact Naomi Phillips on 020 7079 3585.

The British Humanist Association (BHA) is the national charity representing and supporting the non-religious and campaigning for an end to religious privilege and to discrimination based on religion or belief. It is the largest organisation in the UK working for a secular state.