The Charity CARE has expressed its dismay over the decision of the British Medical Association (BMA) to vote in favour to adopt a 'neutral' stance in the issue of euthanasia during the BMA's conference held on 30th July 2005.

Doctors during the conference agreed that the question of criminal law in relation to assisted dying is "primarily a matter for society and for Parliament."

In practice it means BMA have taken a stand where it is neither supportive nor opposing to the campaigns for assisted dying.

This action is the change in the drift of BMA policies, since before it stood in strong opposition to any legislation of euthanasia.

The most radical stance, presenting the support of such legislation was defeated.

Roger Smith, the Head of Public Policy for CARE said: "It is deeply disappointing that the BMA has shifted its stance from outright opposition to neutral on the question of euthanasia."

"It fails to take responsibility for the massive change in the relationship between doctor and patient that would follow any change in the law on homicide."

CARE is the well-established mainstream Christian charity, which seeks to combine practical caring initiatives with public policy on social and ethical issues. It aims to bring Christian insight into all parts of society and one of the concerns is the issue of bioethics.

The BMA debate on the matter of euthanasia was opened after Lord Joffe put forward a Bill proposing a radical change in the UK law on assisted suicide.

The stance of BMA is important and a clear position of Association is needed.

Roger Smith concludes: "We trust that this change of position by the BMA will not lead to a change in the legislation. Elderly and terminally ill people must not be put under real or imagined pressure to bring their lives to a premature end. Doctors are supposed to be the agents of life, not agents of death."