23/05/2013
GPs to rethink assisted dying
GPs could switch from their professional opposition to assisted dying, it was announced yesterday.
Doctors are to take part in a consultation organised by the Royal College of GPs to decide whether the college should stick to its present position.
In 2005 the college stated it did not believe any change of the law was needed - but that good palliative care is essential.
GPs will have until October 9 to give their views and the college says its council will debate the findings early next year.
A spokesperson said: "The College believes that the time is now right to review the practical and ethical issues involved and to give its members the opportunity to debate what the RCGP's collective position should be.
"The GP-patient relationship, with GPs often attending patients in the final days and hours of their lives, puts GPs in a unique position to offer insights into the arguments for and against a change in the law on this profoundly important issue and the College anticipates that the outcome of the consultation on assisted dying will be viewed as significant."