Press Releases

<< back to press releases

'BMA vote against euthanasia and assisted suicide'

Published: 30th June 2006

We're delighted that the British Medical Association voted overwhelmingly to reject any change in the law on euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide at its annual representative meeting earlier this week.

The motions were as follows

That this Meeting:

(i) believes that the ongoing improvement in palliative care allows patients to die with dignity;
84% for, 16% against

(ii) insists that physician-assisted suicide should not be made legal in the UK;
65% for, 35% against

(iii) insists that voluntary euthanasia should not be made legal in the UK;
65% for, 35% against

(vi) insistes that non-voluntary euthanasia should not be made legal in the UK;
94% for, 6% against

(v) insists that if euthanasia were legalised there should be a clear demarcation between those doctors who would be involved in it and those who would not;
82% for, 18% against

(vi) requests that all members of the BMA be balloted on this issue. (Needed a two-thirds majority to be passed due to cost involved):
43% for, 57% against

Please see the Care Not Killing website: www.carenotkilling.org.uk for details

For further information:

Steven Fouch (CMF Head of Communications) 020 7234 9668

Media Enquiries:

Alistair Thompson on 07970 162 225

About CMF:

Christian Medical Fellowship (CMF) was founded in 1949 and is an interdenominational organisation with over 5,000 doctors, 900medical and nursing students and 300 nurses and midwives as members in all branches of medicine, nursing and midwifery. A registered charity, it is linked to over 100 similar bodies in other countries throughout the world.

CMF exists to unite Christian healthcare professionals to pursue the highest ethical standards in Christian and professional life and to increase faith in Christ and acceptance of his ethical teaching.