The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has announced it has adopted a neutral position on assisted dying for terminally ill people of sound mind, after a clear majority of respondents to its survey either supported or were neutral towards such a move. Humanists UK supports assisted dying for terminally ill and incurably suffering individuals who are of sound mind. It warmly welcomes this move, and the wider shift in medical opinion regarding assisted dying.
The RCP survey revealed a leap in support for a change in the law on assisted dying as the number of respondents wanting the RCP to support a change in the law increased by over a quarter, from 24.6% in 2014, when doctors were previously surveyed about assisted dying, to 31.6% in 2019.
Together, the number of respondents who want the RCP to support or be neutral (25%) towards a change in the law totals 56.6%, a majority of all respondents.
The survey also shows growing support for assisted dying among physicians as the number of respondents who personally supported a change in the law increased by a quarter, from 32.3% in 2014 to 40.5% in 2019.
Humanists UK called on RCP members to respond in support of assisted dying and advised members how to respond to the survey.
A legal challenge headed up by doctors opposed to assisted dying was also today rejected by the High Court.
A recent poll by My Death, My Decision, a partner of Humanists UK in the Assisted Dying Coalition, showed that more than 90% of the UK public now supports assisted dying for certain groups of people, reflecting a growing trend of support for assisted dying across the board.
Humanists UK Director of Public Affairs and Policy Richy Thompson said:
‘We welcome the news that the Royal College of Physicians has adopted a neutral position on assisted dying for terminally ill people. We believe terminally ill or incurably suffering individuals who are of sound mind should be empowered to make their own free and informed choices about their options in dying. It is only by giving them this choice that we can guarantee they have dignity, autonomy, and choice in when and how they die.
‘We hope to see medical organisations take note of this and similarly conduct their own surveys to best reflect the views of the medical community.’
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For further comment or information, please contact Humanists UK Director of Public Affairs and Policy Richy Thompson at richy@humanists.uk or phone 020 7324 3072 or 07815589636.
The RCP poll took place from 5 February and 1 March and was responded to by 6,886 members and fellows. The poll required a supermajority of 60% to either support or oppose a change in the law.
Read our previous news item on the RCP poll here:
For more information on our work on assisted dying visit:
https://humanists.uk/campaigns/public-ethical-issues/assisted-dying/
At Humanists UK, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. Our work brings non-religious people together to develop their own views, helping people be happier and more fulfilled in the one life we have. Through our ceremonies, education services, and community and campaigning work, we strive to create a fair and equal society for all.