Assisted dying/assisted suicide 

In November 2024, the College moved from having ‘no stance’ on assisted dying/assisted suicide, to a neutral position. This means we neither actively support nor oppose a change in the law but can now contribute to relevant discussions.  

The decision followed a member survey conducted by independent research agency, Research by Design. Of the 4,902 respondents (23% response rate), 54% said the College should change its position of ‘no stance’.  

Our neutral position means the College can: 

  • contribute to discussions on the topic
  • represent our members’ views and concerns in legislative proposals 
  • offer expertise where required.

While a neutral position more closely aligns with the views of the majority of survey respondents, we recognise that this is a sensitive subject on which our members hold different views.  

Background 

A research briefing published by the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology in 2022 defines assisted dying as: “The involvement of healthcare professionals in the provision of lethal drugs intended to end a patient’s life at their voluntary request, subject to eligibility criteria and safeguards. It includes healthcare professionals prescribing lethal drugs for the patient to self-administer (‘physician-assisted suicide’) and healthcare professionals administering lethal drugs (‘euthanasia’).” 

Although currently illegal in the UK, this year has seen significant developments on whether the law should change to allow assisted dying/assisted suicide under certain circumstances. 

England and Wales 

The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill was introduced in October 2024 and passed in the House of Commons on 20 June 2025. It now awaits debate in the House of Lords. If passed, the bill would allow adults who are terminally ill, subject to safeguards and protections, to request and be provided with assistance to end their own life. 

Scotland 

A separate Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill passed Stage 1 at Holyrood in May 2025 and is currently at stage 2 during which Members of the Scottish Parliament can propose amendments to the bill.

Isle of Man 

In March 2025, the Isle of Man became the first part of the British Isles to pass assisted dying/assisted suicide legislation. It is now awaiting Royal Assent.