The British Geriatrics Society’s position on assisted dying

In response to increased focus on the issue of Assisted Dying (AD) in the UK due to the presentation of The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill 2024-25 [1] and bills before parliaments in the Isle of Man, Guernsey and Scotland, the British Geriatric Society (BGS) recently developed a position statement opposing legalisation of AD in the UK [2]. We set out our key reasoning behind this position, namely the current adverse health and social care context and significant concern about whether effective safeguards can be created to protect older people with complex needs from undue harms. The BGS asks for improved, personalised, multidisciplinary care for older people at the end of their lives, including high-quality palliative and end-of-life care. It urges caution about legalisation and offers its expertise in any potential future shaping and implementation of AD legislation. This should include a conscience clause for professionals objecting to direct involvement. The main outcomes from a survey of member's opinions are also outlined [2]. The majority were against legalisation of AD; however, a significant minority were in favour, with some undecided. This diversity of opinion highlights a need for the Society to maintain balance and nuance on this difficult and emotive issue, warranting future BGS reviews if the relevant legislation changes.