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PRESS RELEASE - 5th October 2005

70% DISAGREEMENT WITH BMA' S NEW POLICY

An online survey of 501 general practitioners published today (Wednesday 5th October) reveals widespread disagreement
with the new policy approved by a narrow majority at the Annual Representative Meeting of the BMA in Manchester on 30th June. The survey was commissioned by the doctors' group FIRST DO NO HARM and carried out by CommunicateResearch Ltd.

The question asked was:

At the Annual Meeting of the British Medical Association in June a resolution was passed that the BMA should no longer express a
view on doctor-assisted suicide, but should leave the matter to Parliament. Would you personally agree or disagree with this?

70 per cent of respondents disagreed, and thought the BMA should have a voice on this subject.

ONLINE GP SURVEY- AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2005 - DOCTOR ASSISTED SUICIDE

Dr. Mary Knowles, chair of First Do No Harm, commented:

"This survey shows quite a different attitude among family doctors to what we have been led to believe."The Report of the Select Committee on Lord Joffe's Assisted Dying Bill will be debated in the House of Lords on October 10th. Peers should know that the BMA's withdrawal of opposition to assisted suicide does not represent the views of its members."

For further information please contact Dr. Knowles by calling 020 7730 3059