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The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has taken a neutral stance on the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill but underscores that pharmacists should have the right to refuse involvement in the process. The Bill, introduced to the Scottish Parliament by Liam McArthur MSP as a Private Members Bill, could make Scotland the first UK nation with assisted dying legislation if it passes into law. This week, the RPS in Scotland released its consultation response to the Scottish Parliament's Health, Social Care, and Sport Committee regarding the Bill, and made it clear that "the ability of pharmacists to conscientiously object to assisted dying is essential." The Society emphasised that "all pharmacists should have the right to take part, or not take part in the process, depending on their individual religious, moral or ethical beliefs." In its response, the RPS has also advocated for the inclusion of an opt-in section within the Bill.

As the assisted dying bill moves through Parliament, pharmacy professionals are encouraged to take part in the public debate. The UK chief pharmaceutical officers (CPhOs) - Andrew Evans (Wales), Alison Strath (Scotland), Cathy Harrison (Northern Ireland), David Webb (England) - have issued advice for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians wishing to give their opinions on this important topic. "In our view it is entirely reasonable for any pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to give their opinions, and that the public would expect that," they said in a statement released along with Elizabeth Fidler, senior professional advisor for pharmacy technician practice at NHS England, and Richard Cattell, deputy chief pharmaceutical officer for England. However, pharmacy professionals are advised to avoid identifying individuals they have cared for unless with their consent and directly engaging patients in the debate. The guideline also emphasised that pharmacists and pharmacy technicians should express their personal views, and not speak for the professions. The CPhOs noted that the final decision on assisted dying must be made by society as a whole, through the parliamentary.