Regulating doctors, ensuring good medical practice

High Court ruling on the Tony Nicklinson and 'Martin' cases

GMC Statement

16 Aug 2012

These are tragic and very distressing cases. We have recently consulted on guidance for our decision makers to help them decide what action to take if a doctor is alleged to have assisted in a suicide and we will publish this at the end of the year.

Niall Dickson, the Chief Executive of the GMC

Commenting on the High Court ruling on the Tony Nicklinson and 'Martin' cases, Niall Dickson, Chief Executive of the General Medical Council, said:

'These are tragic and very distressing cases both for the individuals and for their families and friends.

'The issues are complex and sensitive, but it is not part of our role to take a view on whether the law should be changed - as the High Court judgment makes clear that is a matter for Parliament to determine.

'However, our guidance on assisted suicide is clear - doctors must act within the law and assisting suicide remains a criminal offence.

'We have recently consulted on guidance for our decision makers to help them decide what action to take if a doctor is alleged to have assisted in a suicide and we will publish this at the end of the year.'

Notes to Editors:

For more information on the GMC's consultation on guidance for decision makers when considering allegations about a doctor’s involvement in assisting suicide visit here.

For further information please contact the Media Relations Office on 020 7189 5454, out of hours 020 7189 5444/ 07920 461497, email press@gmc-uk.org, website www.gmc-uk.org.

The General Medical Council registers and licenses doctors to practise medicine in the UK.

The law gives us four main functions:

  • keeping up-to-date registers of qualified doctors
  • fostering good medical practice
  • promoting high standards of medical education and training
  • dealing firmly and fairly with doctors whose fitness to practise is in doubt