The ability of pharmacists to conscientiously object to assisted dying is essential, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society in Scotland has told the Scottish Parliamentary Committee inquiring into the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill.

Giving evidence to the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee, Fiona McIntyre, policy and practice lead at RPS Scotland, also stressed the importance of ensuring that any part of the assisted dying process, such as preparation or supply of the substance, which requires the input of a healthcare professional, should be covered by the requirement to opt-in.

The evidence session on 19 November comes ahead of a House of Commons debate on a Private Members' Bill on assisted dying on 29 November. Last month the RPS wrote to Kim Leadbeater, the Labour MP who has brought forward the Bill, to reiterate its position that any proposed legislation must include clauses on criminal liability and conscientious objection.

During today’s evidence session, Ms McIntyre made several key points, including:

• The role of pharmacists goes far beyond the supply of medicine. Whilst pharmacists are specified in the Bill, their precise role is unclear, and this should be clearly described.
• It should be made clear what the role of the pharmacist is when accompanying a doctor or nurse during the assisted death process, and when it would be appropriate, or not, for them to intervene.
• It is vital that an opt in section is written into the Bill, in order that no pharmacist or other health professional is compelled to support an assisted dying process either directly or indirectly.
• To strengthen the procedure from a pharmaceutical perspective, the role of pharmacists should be clearly articulated. There should be clear expectations and a consistent process, particularly around responsibility for the substance used to support an assisted death at all stages.
• It would be preferable to ensure that the substance used to support an assisted death is a licenced product to protect both the public and health professionals.

Commenting on the evidence session, she said: “The Royal Pharmaceutical Society has a neutral position on the principle of assisted dying, however, is actively engaged in the Bill development process to ensure the role of pharmacists is clearly understood and that appropriate safeguards are in place should the draft Bill progress to legislation.”