Doctors have dropped their long-held opposition to assisted dying, in a move that campaigners hope will lead to a change in euthanasia laws.
The Royal College of Physicians asked medics about their opinions on assisted suicide.
The institution’s rules state that unless at least 60% of its members say that the RCP should be in favour of or against a change in the law on assisted dying, it will adopt a neutral stance.
Of the 6,885 medics polled, 43% said the RPC should oppose a change in the law, 32% said it should support a change and 25% said the RCP should be neutral.
As none of these meet the 60% threshold, the institution took a neutral stance.
President, Prof Andrew Goddard, said: “There is a range of views on assisted dying in medicine, just as there is in society.
Adopting a neutral position will mean that we can reflect the differing opinions among our membership.”
The influential college’s position is often cited in legal cases and Parliamentary debates.
Currently, helping someone to die is a criminal offence in the UK. Sarah Wootton, of Dignity in Dying said: “It is highly significant that the oldest medical college in England has dropped its long-standing opposition to assisted dying.
"This will allow the voices of terminally ill people to be [at the] front in this debate.”
James Mildred, of Christian Action Research and Education, said: “Neutrality will be interpreted by many as a green light for assisted suicide laws.
"We believe there is no way assisted suicide legislation could be made safe from abuse.”
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