BMA decision the right one

A SMALL story with potentially big significance emerged this week. Doctors’ union, the BMA is to drop its official opposition to assisted dying. The body will now follow both the Royal College of Physicians and the Royal College of Nursing in adopting a neutral position, to reflect the range of members’ views. In truth, the BMA has been out of step with rank and file doctors for a while as the majority disagree with the BMA’s longstanding opposition to giving the terminally ill more agency over their own death, while half of physicians personally favour a change in the law to allow it to happen. It’s an emotive subject, but one where it is crucial we know the views of the medical profession. I’m glad the BMA is respecting its members’ wishes here.