The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow has spoken out after surveying its members across the UK on the practicalities of implementing assisted dying, if the legislation is passed.
Although the medical profession takes a neutral stance on physician-assisted dying, of the 635 health care professionals surveyed, nearly half (49%) said they were either opposed to the change or leaned in favor of it – with two-fifths (41%) saying they supported or leaned toward it.
However, three-fifths of those surveyed (59%) said assessing whether a patient was voluntarily seeking help to die, and not being forced to do so, could pose a “major challenge”.
Nearly half (48%) said assessing a patient’s capacity to request assisted dying could also be a “major challenge”.
Meanwhile, 45% said they have “major concerns” about how terminal illness is defined in MP Liam McArthur’s Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill – and 40% have “major concerns” about it in MP Kim Leadbeater’s bill, which would apply in England and Wales.
Doctors, surgeons and dentists all took part in the research, alongside GPs, nurses and allied health professionals.
Labor MP Kim Leadbeater pushes forward assisted dying legislation at Westminster (Stefan Rousseau/PA)
It comes as a record number of amendments meant extra time had to be allowed in the House of Lords for Ms Leadbeater’s Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill.
Meanwhile, Mr McArthur’s bill completed its second stage at Holyrood this week, with MPs on the Scottish Parliament’s health committee debating almost 300 proposed changes. A final vote on the proposals is now expected to take place in early 2026.
Dr Morven McElroy, honorary secretary of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, said: “As a college we have a neutral position on the principle of assisted dying.
“However, with two bills currently under discussion, it was important for us to ask our members for their views on the practicalities of implementing the bills should they become law. »
The bill proposed by Liberal Democrat MP Liam McArthur has now completed its second stage at Holyrood (Andrew Milligan/PA)
She continues: “Although doctors and health professionals have varied views on the principle of medical assistance in dying, all are deeply concerned about the well-being of their patients.
“The investigation showed that if the bills were to become law, there would absolutely need to be more clarity to protect both patients and doctors. »
Dr McElroy said: “Survey respondents were particularly concerned about the challenges of assessing whether a patient made their decision voluntarily and their capacity to make that decision.
“They also told us that greater clarity would be needed on the role of the clinician and their right to choose whether or not to participate in an assisted dying service, as well as safeguards for disabled people and the current preparedness of the workforce, as well as the impact on palliative care services.
She added: “These are complex issues that require particularly careful consideration and discussion. »
Liam McArthur MSP said: “I thank the RCPSG for their work on assisted dying and am pleased to see that a significant number of clinicians who took part in the inquiry support my Bill.
“I am also reassured that the number of people willing to take part would ensure that terminally ill adults in Scotland who wish to make this choice would be able to do so and I was particularly struck by the fact that those surveyed willing to take part said that assisted dying is an intrinsic part of healthcare to ‘enable access to a safe and dignified death’.
“I note that the investigation took place before the second stage consideration of my bill by the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee.
“The Committee accepted numerous amendments that directly address some of the issues raised by the RCPSG.
“These include clarifying that a person is not terminally ill just because they have a disability or mental disorder, that doctors can seek the advice of health, social care and social work professionals involved in a patient’s care when determining whether a person is eligible and that Scottish ministers can determine the level of training, qualifications and experience a doctor or registered nurse should have.
“In addition, the Bill now contains a provision that ensures there will be no harm to those who participate or do not participate and a ‘no obligation to directly participate in assisted dying’ clause for healthcare professionals.
“Alongside the training that any healthcare professional will undertake to be able to undertake assisted dying services, this has the effect of creating a system of opt-in rather than leaving healthcare professionals with the responsibility to opt out.
“I am confident that these measures will reassure clinicians that the bill, which provides the choice that a small number of terminally ill Scots desperately need, puts in place not only more compassion and choice, but also more of the safety and protection that currently exists.”
Ms Leadbeater has been contacted for comment.
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