Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Ulster MP Fights BMA Euthanasia Decision
From News Letter
A campaign to reverse the British Medical Association's controversial new stance on euthanasia is being headed by a Northern Ireland MP.
DUP Lagan Valley MP Jeffrey Donaldson is leading a group of MPs who claim the BMA's decision not to oppose physician-assisted suicide will " withdraw protection" from the most vulnerable patients.
The MPs criticised events at the recent BMA annual conference where it is claimed only 175 of 304 eligible voting delegates were present for votes on euthanasia.
They have tabled two Early Day Motions in the House of Commons on the issue.
Mr Donaldson said: "We are confident that a majority of doctors would oppose the BMA motion which has now been adopted and which withdraws protection from the most vulnerable patients.
"Last year, a similar process was used by senior members of the Royal College of General Practitioners and Physicians when they gave evidence to a House of Lords Committee considering a Bill on euthanasia.
"They stated that the Royal College was not opposed to physician-assisted suicide and took a neutral stand.
However, they have now had to reverse this policy resulting from demands by grassroots members who oppose all forms of euthanasia.
A campaign to reverse the British Medical Association's controversial new stance on euthanasia is being headed by a Northern Ireland MP.
DUP Lagan Valley MP Jeffrey Donaldson is leading a group of MPs who claim the BMA's decision not to oppose physician-assisted suicide will " withdraw protection" from the most vulnerable patients.
The MPs criticised events at the recent BMA annual conference where it is claimed only 175 of 304 eligible voting delegates were present for votes on euthanasia.
They have tabled two Early Day Motions in the House of Commons on the issue.
Mr Donaldson said: "We are confident that a majority of doctors would oppose the BMA motion which has now been adopted and which withdraws protection from the most vulnerable patients.
"Last year, a similar process was used by senior members of the Royal College of General Practitioners and Physicians when they gave evidence to a House of Lords Committee considering a Bill on euthanasia.
"They stated that the Royal College was not opposed to physician-assisted suicide and took a neutral stand.
However, they have now had to reverse this policy resulting from demands by grassroots members who oppose all forms of euthanasia.
papijoe 7:22 AM
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