More than half of pharmacists are for assisted dying

Poll shows support as peers scrutinise Bill

- BY HANNA GEISSLER Health Editor

MORE than half of pharmacists support assisted dying, a survey has shown.

Some 54% of 755 Royal Pharmaceutical Society members polled expressed their support in principle.

Just over a third of those polled - 35% - did not support terminally ill people being helped to end their own lives, and 11% said they were unsure.

The survey by The Pharmaceutical Journal took in staff working in the community, hospitals, general practice, academia and industry, as well as students and retired pharmacists.

Support was highest among general practice pharmacists (67%) and lower among hospital workers (49%).

The RPS itself has taken a neutral position on assisted dying.

REALITY