Royal College of GPs Adopts Neutral Stance on Assisted Dying

The professional body for UK GPs moves away from opposition as lawmakers debate assisted dying legislation in England, Wales, and Scotland.

The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) voted to adopt a neutral position on the legalisation of assisted dying after consulting its members.
Previously opposed since 2005, the RCGP's council decided with 61% of votes to neither support nor oppose a change in the law.
A survey of 8,779 members revealed divided opinions: 47.6% supported opposition, 33.7% favored legalisation, and 13.6% preferred neutrality.
The shift aligns the RCGP with other medical bodies, including the British Medical Association and Royal College of Physicians, which have also adopted neutrality.
The decision comes as the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill undergoes scrutiny in the UK Parliament, with votes expected in England, Wales, and Scotland in the coming weeks.