British Medical Association Debate On Physician Assisted Suicide

EDM number 553 in 2005-06, proposed by Ann Winterton on 11/07/2005.

That this House notes with concern that a strong pro-euthanasia campaign has been run by a group in the British Medical Association (BMA) Ethics Committee, the Chairman of which is Dr Michael Wilks; further notes that three of its members gave evidence for the Voluntary Euthanasia Society to the House of Lords Select Committee on the Assisted Dying Bill; further notes that in the last year Dr Wilks twice attempted to dissuade the BMA Medical Students Branch from opposing euthanasia and assisted dying, on one occasion declaring they had `to get morals out of the picture'; futher notes that at this year's annual conference three motions on euthanasia were produced which were never considered by grass roots divisions; further notes, however, that a motion giving the BMA a neutral stand on patient-assisted suicide was passed, although no vote was taken on the motion opposing euthanasia; further notes that after the debate Dr Wilks declared on leaving the platform `I no longer need to say I do not know what the BMA policy is on euthanasia', although he must have known that policy had always opposed all forms of euthanasia; questions the appropriateness of Dr Wilks chairing both the Agenda Committee and the Conference; and calls on the Government to maintain its opposition to doctor-assisted suicide and euthanasia.

This motion has been signed by a total of 67 MPs.