Royal College of GPs drops longstanding opposition to assisted dying, as UK medical bodies prepare for law change

At a meeting today, 39% of Council members voted that the RCGP should oppose assisted dying being legal, whilst 61% voted that the RCGP should move to a position of neither supporting nor opposing assisted dying being legal. Prior to the vote, the RCGP had been the only remaining UK medical royal college opposed to assisted dying. Today’s decision will see the College move to an impartial position, reflecting the range of views amongst GPs. In recent years the Royal College of Physicians, Royal College of Surgeons, and Royal College of Anaesthetists – and the British Medical Association – have all adopted neutral policies on this issue.

The announcement comes at a pivotal moment for proposals to legalise assisted dying for terminally ill, mentally competent adults in the UK. Kim Leadbeater MP’s Bill is undergoing line by line scrutiny in the House of Commons, while the Isle of Man is widely expected to introduce the first assisted dying law in the British Isles, with Alex Allinson MHK’s Bill clearing its final stage in the island’s elected house and moving towards Royal Assent. Bills in Scotland and Jersey are also at an advanced stage.

Sarah Wootton, CEO of Dignity in Dying said:

“This is a sensible and pragmatic decision, reflecting a remarkable shift in how the medical profession approaches choice at the end of life. At one time the Royal College of GPs, Royal College of Physicians, Royal College of Surgeons and the British Medical Association all opposed attempts to change the law in this area. Today, that is no longer the case. 

“The decision recognises that these reforms are almost certainly coming to parts of the British Isles. With the Isle of Man on the cusp of changing the law, and bills in Westminster, Scotland and Jersey making steady progress, there is a strong chance that some terminally ill British citizens may take this choice before the end of the decade. GPs, just like those in other branches of medicine, will be looking for meaningful, impartial support to navigate this change for their practices and their patients.

“GPs hold a range of views on this issue, and the RCGP’s own surveys suggest many thousands wanted their college to actively support law change. This move to a more neutral position will ensure RCGP is well-placed to represent all member perspectives as reforms are implemented, creating a climate of respect where all views can be aired.”

The RCGP last reviewed its public position on assisted dying in 2020, when – in a contentious move – it voted to maintain a position of opposition despite a survey indicating that fewer than half of members supported this. In 2023, RCGP Council launched a working group to ensure the College is prepared for potential law change in the UK.

Last November, the House of Commons voted to progress the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill at its landmark Second Reading debate. In January, the Bill moved to Committee Stage, where MPs are scrutinising each clause line by line, and considering amendments to further strengthen the legislation. The Bill is expected to return to the Commons later in the spring.

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For more information or interview request please contact Tom Steen, Media and Campaigns Officer at tom.steen@dignityindying.org.uk or call 07768438258.