Doctors to be polled on assisted dying

DOCTORS will be asked if they would help a terminally ill patient to die and whether the law should be changed to allow assisted dying.

The Royal College of Physicians will poll its 35,000 members and fellows next month.

RCP president Professor Andrew Goddard said the survey was essential to the college understanding members’ views.

He added: “The college is frequently asked for its stance on this issue, which may be cited in cases and parliamentary debate, so it is essential that we base this on an up-to-date understanding of our members’ and fellows’ views.”

The RCP will adopt a neutral position until 66% of respondents say it should be in favour or opposed to a law change.

There is no specific prohibition of assisting a suicide in Scottish law but anyone doing so could be charged with murder or culpable homicide, the RCP said.