Healthcare workers have been given the right to opt out of assisted dying following a debate in Parliament.

The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill amendment, which followed a debate on 16 May, extends the opt out from doctors to all medical workers, including pharmacists and social care workers.

The opt out option for doctors was called for by the Royal College of Physicians in its statement on the Bill.

In its submission to the Bill committee, the RCP said clinicians should have access to a database of others to whom they could refer.

The RCP commented: ‘Conscientious objection is an important element and provision for the Bill. The mechanics of this are crucial and must be in place. RCP will consider more detailed recommendation in the aspect. It will be important that physicians have easy access to a live registry of willing doctors by organisation and region. Particularly if they do not want to participate in AD, so they are able to refer patients.'

Professor Colin Melville, medical director and director of education and standards at the General Medical Council said: ‘People who are coming to the end of their life may be faced with many difficulties that need to be attended to with sensitivity and compassion.  

‘As an independent regulator, we have no position on what the law should be on assisted dying, as this is a matter for society to debate and ultimately legislatures to decide. 

‘This is a sensitive topic with strongly held views. In the event of a change in the law, we would review and, where necessary, amend our guidance. 

 

‘We would also take part in implementation work to ensure that doctors receive the support they need to practise in accordance with the law and the professional standards of their regulators.'

Nuffield Trust deputy director of research Sarah Scobie commented: ‘It is not surprising that health and care staff will not be obliged to participate in the process of assisted dying if the Bill passes, given what we know about other countries where assisted dying is legal. Every international system we looked at allows health care professionals to refuse participation in assisted dying, but countries differ in how they balance this alongside ensuring individuals' access.

‘Most countries require practitioners who do not want to participate to refer individuals to an alternative provider or coordination service. It would be interesting to see how this part of the policy develops within the context England and Wales' unique health and care system, if the Bill goes through.'