Press release
4th June 2024

“Britain ready for true choice at the end of life”, as Royal College of Nursing Congress votes to support principles of assisted dying

Members of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) have voted at their annual Congress to support the principles of assisted dying, marking a watershed moment in the debate. The RCN Council is now expected to review its policies in light of the motion being passed by Congress.

An indicative vote late on Tuesday afternoon showed 331 in support of the principles of assisted dying, with 271 against and 158 abstentions. These numbers were updated on Wednesday 5th June 2024 showing 276 in support, with 197 against and 140 abstentions. Many nurses spoke of their own powerful personal and patient experiences of suffering at the end of life, and of the importance of patient choice and representing the wishes of patients. The motion was proposed to send the message that the RCN supports the principles of patient choice and safety in end-of-life care, and to reflect the important role that nurses who want to be involved in assisted dying will play in the process. It acknowledged the plurality of views on the issue among members, and aimed to ensure that the experiences and expertise of nurses can help to shape any future legislation. The vote comes at a critical moment for the campaign to legalise assisted dying in the UK, with Scotland, Jersey and the Isle of Man already debating how to implement services for their citizens, and growing cross-party appetite for a full and fair debate on how Westminster can bring similar legislation to England and Wales. The Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition have each committed to ensuring time for debate, should they be successful in their respective bids to lead the next Government. The Liberal Democrats recently reaffirmed their commitment to proper time for debate and a free vote, and the Greens last month announced a manifesto pledge to introduce assisted dying. In February, a 14-month inquiry by cross-party MPs confirmed that such laws already work safely in many countries around the world, with tight safeguards that benefit and protect dying people, and improve end-of-life care as a whole. Clare Barber is a former nurse, an RCN member and current member of parliament in the Isle of Man. Mrs Barber, Member of the House of Keys for Douglas East, seconded an Assisted Dying Bill that is currently being debated in the island’s parliament, the Tynwald. She said: “Congress has spoken clearly and compassionately in support of the principles of assisted dying. It is now up to the RCN Council to adjust the College’s policy to reflect members’ wishes. “As a nurse who has worked in hospice, nursing homes and intensive care among other settings, I have seen many times when end-of-life care has succeeded in palliating a person’s symptoms, allowing them peace and dignity as they die. But for others, those symptoms have remained so intolerable that the person questions why they should be permitted to suffer, and why we do not allow them the autonomy they desire over their death. “I have no answers to these questions. But I know that once the law is changed, fewer people will have to ask them. It is no surprise to me that so many nurses agree there is an urgent need to make this a reality.” Sarah Wootton, Chief Executive of Dignity in Dying, said: “Fifteen years ago, the RCN became the first Royal College in the UK to adopt a neutral position on assisted dying, a position that is now uncontroversial amongst leading medical and healthcare bodies. It is revealing that it now recognises the undeniable momentum behind this much-needed reform and the overwhelming public support for change. “Today’s vote has shown our incredible nurses once again at the forefront of change, with a groundswell of support for safe and compassionate choice for their terminally ill patients. This sends an indisputable message that the nursing profession is ready to take a seat at the table in shaping legislation that supports choice and provides protection for both patients and nurses. “At Dignity in Dying, we work alongside many nurses who have seen first-hand the cruel impacts of the current law – both professionally and personally – and who agree with the vast majority of the country that the status quo cannot continue. It is increasingly obvious that Britain is a country that is ready for true choice at the end of life.” In 2009, the RCN became the first Royal College to move permanently from opposing assisted dying to a neutral position. Since then, almost all major UK medical and healthcare organisations have adopted a similar position, including the British Medical Association, the Royal College of Physicians, the Royal College of Psychiatrists and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. Following a vote at its 2022 Congress, the RCN updated its neutral position statement to reflect the changing landscape of the debate and to explore how it can best support and inform nurses on the issue. In March this year, the largest and most in-depth UK-wide survey of public opinion on assisted dying revealed that 75% of the public back law change on assisted dying, consistent across ages, backgrounds and voting intentions, and with majority support in every parliamentary constituency across Great Britain.

*Ends*

For more information or interview requests, please email Molly Pike, Senior Media and Campaigns Officer at Dignity in Dying, molly.pike@dignityindying.org.uk or call 07855209809