Doctors reject assisted suicides
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Doctors have rejected calls to take a neutral stance on assisted suicide.
Delegates to the British Medical Association's annual conference in Bournemouth yesterday restated their opposition to assisted dying, with one doctor likening it to murder.
They decided that a change in their position would send the wrong message.
The Healthcare Professionals for Assisted Dying (HPAD) had called for the BMA to move its position from opposition to "studied" neutrality. HPAD's chairman, Professor Raymond Tallis, said assisted dying should be a matter for society as a whole and not just the medical profession. He called on the BMA to adopt a neutral position on a change in the law.
But Dr Dai Samuel, rejecting the call, said: "We must question what as doctors we stand for.
"I simply stand for looking after my patients and providing high-quality care. I do not consider the killing of patients, whatever the reason, is justified. That is murder and I cannot commit that offence."
Dr Peter Saunders, of the campaign group Care Not Killing, said: "This vote is a victory for common sense. We hope the BMA will now continue its valuable work in campaigning for high-quality, compassionate care for patients at the end of life."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments