GPs split over assisted dying plans, BBC research suggests
Family doctors in England are deeply divided on the issue of assisted dying, BBC research on plans to legalise the practice suggests.
The findings give a unique insight into how strongly many GPs feel about the proposed new law - and highlight how personal beliefs and experiences are shaping doctors' views on the issue.
BBC News sent more than 5,000 GPs a questionnaire asking whether they agreed with changing the law to allow assisted dying for certain terminally ill people in England and Wales.
More than 1,000 GPs replied, with about 500 telling us they were against an assisted dying law and about 400 saying they were in favour.
Some of the 500 GPs who told us they were against the law change called the bill "appalling", "highly dangerous", and "cruel". "We are doctors, not murderers," one said.
Of the 400 who said they supported assisted dying, some described the bill as "long overdue" and "a basic human right".
It comes as MPs will this week again debate proposed changes to the controversial bill, with a vote in parliament expected on whether to pass or block it next month.
If assisted dying does become legal in England and Wales, it would be a historic change for society.
Source: BBC News, 14 May 2025