Doctors in the UK will be asked if they would personally help a terminally ill patient commit suicide and whether they would support changing the law to permit assisted suicide.

In sharp contrast to how Irish legislators and medical bodies proceeded with legislating for abortion, the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) is to poll its 35,000 members on their views before forming a corporate position. RCP president Professor Andrew Goddard said the College is frequently asked for its stance on this high-profile issue, which may be cited in legal 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 said it will adopt a neutral position until two-thirds of respondents say that it should be in favour or opposed to a change in the law. It said this means it will neither support or oppose a change in the law so it can reflect the differing views of its members and fellows in discussions with government and others.

Assisted suicide is illegal in the UK, with doctors facing a jail term of up to 14 years under the Suicide Act 1961. Countries like Netherlands and Belgium have seen a sharp rise in the number of assisted suicides since each legalised it, or broadened the grounds for it.