8 May 2006
The Royal College of General
Practitioners - the UK’s largest Royal Medical College - has
issued a strong message to Peers, urging them to reject the
Assisted Dying for the Terminally Ill Bill which has its second
reading in the House of Lords this Friday.
The RCGP firmly believes that with current improvements in
palliative care, good clinical care can be provided within existing
legislation. The College is opposed to any change in
legislation.
RCGP Chairman Professor Mayur Lakhani, a practising GP, said:
“Assisted dying has been one of the most debated issues in the
history of the College. The RCGP is the largest medical Royal
College with over 24,000 members. A clear decision has been reached
by our Council - we do not support a change in legislation
that would permit assisted dying. We would urge Peers to take our
views into account when considering this crucial issue this
week.”