Civilised death

The logic of Rev Ian Galloway's opposition to Margo MacDonald's "assisted suicide" bill (Opinion, 30 April) seems to be this: there can be no guarantees that any power to assist in the premature ending of a life would never be abused or misused therefore we shouldn't even countenance the proposal. This ignores the history of private members' legislation and the value of democratic scrutiny.

The intelligent consideration of any controversial proposal like this would look at the very points he is concerned about. This would include the relationship between carer and patient, the need for a conscience clause to protect members of the medical profession with genuine ethical objections, and whether facilities for assisted dying should be provided in state or local– authority facilities. It could also look at the circumstances where palliative care is no longer considered meaningful as well as the role and views of relatives and close friends in the process.

Laws that sanction help with the ending of a life need not mean we are a less civilised society. With proper implementation and scrutiny it could make us more tolerant, more understanding and mature enough to recognise the anguish of those who genuinely believe their life no longer has meaning.

BOB TAYLOR

Shiel Court

Glenrothes, Fife

Rev Ian Galloway incorrectly suggested that the General Medical Council has a position on assisted suicide.

The GMC's role as the regulator of the medical profession is to provide ethical guidance to help doctors act within the law. We are not a debating society nor a lobby group and the issue of assisted suicide is a question for society as a whole and parliament to address.

The GMC is currently consulting on draft guidelines around "End of life treatment and care: Good practice in decision-making", but this is not the same as assisted suicide. Our guidance aims to ensure that all doctors are aware of the ethical and legal principles that should underpin practice in end of life care. This means doctors giving people the best and most appropriate treatment at the end of their lives.

For the chance to influence the future guidelines for doctors around end of life care issues, please take part in our consultation before 13 July, 2009. To get involved please visit www.gmc-uk.org

JANE O'BRIEN

Assistant director, Standards and Fitness to Practise

General Medical Council

Euston Road, London