The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has moved to a neutral position on assisted suicide, following an extensive and detailed consultation process. RCN members voiced a range of opinions on the issue.
The majority of individuals supported assisted suicide (49%). However, there was also substantial opposition (40%). The remaining submissions were either neutral on the issue (9%) or failed to record a position (1%). RCN also decided that nurses need detailed guidance on the issue which will now be commissioned. The guidance will consider the complicated legal, regulatory, ethical and clinical frameworks around assisted suicide. Dr Peter Carter, RCN chief executive, said: “The split in responses shows that there is no overwhelming support among nurses for either opposing or supporting a change in the law on assisted suicide. We fully support the common themes that came through the consultation, namely maintaining the nursepatient relationship, protecting vulnerable patients and making sure there is adequate investment in end of life care.” In response to the announcement by RCN and the media debate which followed, the Medical Defence Union (MDU) issued a reminder to doctors that they should not give advice to patients to help them travel abroad to take their own lives. Ian Barker, MDU solicitor, said: “As a result of the RCN stating in news reports that it wishes to ‘engage in a debate’ with its nurse members about assisted suicide and the recent media interest in this issue, our members may be approached by patients for advice about ending their life with the help of an assisted suicide group abroad. We are reminding them that they could face a criminal investigation if alleged to have assisted with the act – even if that assistance was in the form of advice to the patient. Even if criminal proceedings do not follow, the GMC may still decide to investigate the doctor’s fitness to practise. “The best thing a member can do if they are asked for help in these circumstances is to phone us for specific advice and not to engage in a discussion with the patient.” Section 2(1) of the Suicide Act 1961 states: “A person who aids, abets, counsels or procures the suicide of another, or an attempt by another to commit suicide, shall be liable on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 14 years.”
