Royal College of Nursing moves to neutral position on assisted suicide
Published: 27 July 2009
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) moved to a neutral position on assisted suicide following a discussion at its Council meeting today (24 July).
RCN Council's UK position, which followed an extensive and detailed consultation process, means that the RCN moves from opposing assisted suicide to a position where the College neither supports nor opposes a change in the law to allow assisted suicide.
Council 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:
"Assisted suicide is a complicated issue and this was reflected in the range and variety of responses that we received to our consultation. 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 nurse-patient relationship, protecting vulnerable patients and making sure there is adequate investment in end of life care.
"We will continue to play an active role in any discussion around assisted suicide to ensure that the nurse voice is heard. It is vital that we now commission further work to make sure that nurses receive much needed guidance around the legal, ethical, regulatory and clinical issues of assisted suicide."
The decision, voted on by Council members, follows a three month consultation with RCN members which drew over 1,200 individual responses.
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%).
Chair of Council, Sandra James, said:
"Assisted suicide is a high-profile and emotive issue and it is right that we consulted thoroughly with members before coming to our decision. Council had a long and careful deliberation of the range of options available. In reaching our decision we considered individual members' opinions as well as the views from RCN branches and forums, and non-RCN affiliated bodies."
Today's decision comes in the wake of defeated amendments to the Coroners and Justice Bill which sought to legalise aspects of assisting suicide including travelling with those who wish to commit suicide abroad.
Ends
Notes to Editors
1. For further information, interviews or illustrations please contact the RCN Media Office on 020 7647 3633, press.office@rcn.org.uk or visit http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/media
2. Since 2004, the RCN has had a formal position to oppose assisted suicide.
3. The RCN consulted widely during the period 16 February - 22 May. Consultation methods included briefing papers and response forms (email and website based), discussion zones, presentations by regional boards, Congress fringe events and a website film. Overall, the consultation reached around 175,000 members.
4. There have been three different amendments tabled on the Coroners and Justice Bill regarding assisted suicide - none of which were passed. The first was Lord Falconer's amendment to legalise assisted suicide undertaken overseas for those who are terminally ill. Lord Alderdice's amendment sought to legalise assisted suicide. The third amendment by Lord Joffe and Lord Goodhart sought to change the sentence of those committed of assisting someone to end their life from murder to manslaughter
5. The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the voice of nursing across the UK and is the largest professional union of nursing staff in the world. The RCN promotes the interest of nurses, healthcare assistants and patients on a wide range of issues and helps shape healthcare policy by working closely with the UK Government and other national and international institutions, trade unions, professional bodies and voluntary organisations.