Good evening

In the largest ever survey of doctors, a clear majority of respondents have said they want the BMA to drop their opposition to assisted dying. Only a third of BMA members think it should remain opposed. Meanwhile fully half of doctors have said they are personally supportive of a change in the law compared to just 39% who are opposed.

The impact of these results cannot be underestimated. I cannot overstate how important this moment is for the fight for end of life choice.

The results are indisputable: 50% of doctors personally support assisted dying. And 61% of doctors agree that the BMA should drop their opposition. These results are a landmark in the debate - doctors see that it’s the right time for change. 

The BMA has stated that its policy on assisted dying will be considered at its next annual meeting in 2021 - however its own survey has proven a clear majority of its members disagree with its current opposed stance. 

While there remains a breadth of opinion, anti-choice groups can no longer claim that doctors oppose assisted dying. MPs who have been given a warped perception of medical opinion will either be forced to reconsider their views or be open about the real reasons for their opposition. This is a moment for real change for dying people.

Since Dignity in Dying board member Dr Jacky Davis first won the motion to poll BMA members for their views on assisted dying last summer, we have been working tirelessly to make the most of this historic opportunity. 

This landmark result is a direct consequence of all your hard work and generosity - at the beginning of the year supporters like you showed up in your thousands to talk to your doctors, fund leaflets, adverts and reach doctors ahead of the poll. It is only thanks to your staggering response to our appeals that we've been able to have this incredible impact. Thank you so much. 

I’m thrilled to be able to share this good news with you - and we’ll be in touch again soon with another important update!