Responding to the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill passing its Third Reading in the House of Commons, BMA medical ethics committee chair Dr Andrew Green said: 

“The BMA is neutral on the issue of assisted dying, which means we neither support or oppose it as a principle, nor in relation to any change in law. We have always said this is a matter for parliamentarians, and not doctors, to decide, which is what we have seen play out over recent months, passing this important milestone today. 

“If this law does come to pass, it would likely have a significant impact on the way doctors work and their relationship with patients, which is why, while being neutral on the central question, we have engaged with the Bill and raised a number of key issues on behalf of our membership and the medical profession. 

“One fundamental principle that we have been clear on, is that, if the law does change, doctors must have to actively opt-in, and no doctor should be forced to take part in any part of the process; they must be able to decline involvement in any part of the process and for any reason.  

“We were therefore glad to see MPs pass an amendment at report stage, tabled by Ms Leadbeater as a direct result of our engagement, that strengthens the comprehensive protection for all healthcare workers to be able to decline to take part.  

“As the Bill reaches the Lords there are a number of issues we would still want addressed. These include the need for an official information service to provide individual patients with tailored information about the range of options available to them, which should include access to palliative care, as well as assisted dying. 

“Meanwhile, we would like to see a provision for safe access zones around premises linked to any assisted dying services – as already in place for abortion providers – to ensure that staff and patients alike are protected from abuse or harassment; as well as clarification as to how doctors would be protected regarding shared care arrangements between jurisdictions in the UK and Crown Dependencies. There must be joined up thinking by legislators so that doctors are not exposed to legal risks when trying to help their patients.”

Notes to editors

For more information on the BMA's work in this area please see here.

The BMA is a professional association and trade union representing and negotiating on behalf of all doctors in the UK. A leading voice advocating for outstanding health care and a healthy population. An association providing members with excellent individual services and support throughout their lives.