Assisted dying.

Professor Finlay is absolutely right that GPs’ opinions are vitally important in the assisted dying debate, and that it is important for the College to have a view on this issue.1 Physician-assisted suicide would involve GPs in assessing requests for assisted suicide and would also require GPs to prescribe lethal doses of medication. It would also be highly stressful for GPs, as seen in the Netherlands. It is vital that GPs’ views are expressed and taken into account by legislators. It is also vital that any change in the College’s position is only made after a ballot of members. This is not a difficult thing to do, and is vital to ensure transparency and openness. Professor Finlay’s Viewpoint piece is a timely and welcome contribution to the physicianassisted suicide debate.