Hello ,
The Royal College of GPs recently took the deeply questionable decision to uphold their opposition to assisted dying. Despite their own survey showing an 8-fold increase in support and a massive drop in opposition. Overall a majority disagreed with upholding their opposed stance1.
Staggeringly, they made this decision after a debate among just 50 council members. They took a mere 25 minutes to take this outrageous decision and then patted themselves on the back for a job well done. Now they say the issue is closed for at least five years! This is medical paternalism at its worst, we must fight back.
To be honest with you, I’m angry. Not only is it wrong for the RCGP to fail to represent the wide range of perspectives held by their members, it is inexcusable to continue to obstruct the introduction of a tried and tested healthcare option so consistently supported by their patients.
The RCGP needs to know that this decision undermines their integrity. It is not the easy way out or the uncontroversial option. This is not the way to have nuanced, honest conversations about dying.
You can tell them.
Friend, you and I both know this isn’t right. Dignity in Dying is made up of thousands of us who just believe that terminally ill people should be able to choose how they die - and we have to speak out against this unfair decision.
Send the RCGP a quick message today.
Thank you for your commitment to our cause.
Zach Moss,
Dignity in Dying
1. RCGP members voted as follows: Oppose 47%, Support 40%, Neutral 11%, Abstain 2%. The support and neutral figures together is 51% - a majority against the decision to remain opposed.
Royal College of General Practioners (21st February 2020) Royal College of GPs remains opposed to change in the law on assisted dying. Available at: https://www.rcgp.org.uk/about-us/news/2020/february/royal-college-of-gps-remains-opposed-to-change-in-the-law-on-assisted-dying.aspx
