One in three Brit docs support assisted suicide

London, July 20 : One in three Brit doctors believes that the law of not allowing terminally ill to end their lives should be changed, according to a new survey.

The study, carried out by Doctors.net.uk, an online discussion forum and professional network for medics, which represents 95 percent of doctors in the UK, has found 35 percent in favour of assisted suicide compared to 60 percent against the controversial move.

The remainder said they were unsure.

The results of the survey suggest increasing support among doctors in favour of assisted suicide, a move many would inevitably become involved in if it were to be legalised, compared to just two years ago when the British Medical Association voted overwhelmingly against it.

Dr Tim Ringrose of Doctors.net.uk said the results of the poll suggested many doctors felt there was a need to change the law.

"This is an interesting result because although the majority of doctors do not think the law should change, those who do form a significant minority," the Scotsman quoted him, as saying.

"A lot of doctors, particularly GPs, feel they are in a catch-22 situation because if euthanasia were legalised they would be accused of influencing patients to do it.

"However some see the demand from patients to be given this choice," he added.

However, despite the apparent increased support for new legislation some doctors have expressed anxiety about the prospect of shouldering the ethical burden of assisting suicides.

Campaigners welcomed the poll results but critics warned that doctors should not assist patients to die prematurely, no matter how ill they are.

ANI