Intended for healthcare professionals

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Editor's Choice

Assisted dying—time for a full and fair debate

BMJ 2015; 351 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.h4517 (Published 20 August 2015) Cite this as: BMJ 2015;351:h4517

Rapid Response:

Re: Assisted dying—time for a full and fair debate

Naturally, the BMJ are entitled to express views not necessarily representative of most BMA members. However, this editorial, which states that the BMJ supports assisted dying, represents a betrayal of the trust placed in it by BMA members. The BMA has a clear policy on assisted dying (a euphemistic term for physician assisted suicide), in keeping with the view held by the majority of its members.

The Marris bill (house of commons vote due on September 11th) proposes a change to the current legislation, using as a template the robust and enduring assisted dying policy of Oregon. The bill contains numerous safeguards to prevent any ensuing "slippery slope". Nevertheless, Oregon is now debating a liberalisation of their assisted dying law. A Bill proposing a re-definition of 'terminal illness', to extend to those with a twelve month life expectancy, rather than just six (bill HB 3335), is currently being debated. This is a very small change, admittedly, but consider the inevitable direction. If we set out on this path, will we be legalising euthanasia for children, or assisted suicide for those simply 'tired of life', both of which are now permitted in Belgium?

I am repeatedly told that there will be a change in law 'within our lifetime'. It only requires one such bill to be passed before that becomes reality. Then, bearing in mind that, under the Marris bill, precisely none of the tragic and highly emotive cases represented in the media would have met criteria for assisted dying, the next step could not be much further ahead.

Competing interests: No competing interests

25 August 2015
Ian J Tallach
Retired Paediatric Doctor
None
Drumnadrochit