Royal College eases stance on legalising assisted dying

THE UK's professional membership body for GPs is no longer formally opposed to a change in the law to legalise assisted dying.

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The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) confirmed that, after a consultation with its members and a decision by its council, it has moved to a position of neutrality - neither opposing nor supporting a change in the law. It had adopted a position of opposition in 2005 and held that stance since then.

The change in position comes as MPs in England and Wales consider legislation which could see assisted dying legalised in the two nations.

Around six in ten (61%) of the college's council voted for a move to a position of neither supporting nor opposing legalising assisted dying. Almost four in ten (39%) voted to maintain the position of opposition.