Should Vets Have a Voice in the Assisted Dying Debate?

The Assisted Dying Bill is currently under debate in UK Parliament, with strong public support but also deep ethical concerns. But one profession has been left out of the discussion - veterinary surgeons.

As someone who has performed euthanasia countless times, I ask: Should vets have a voice in this debate?

In this episode of The Consult Room, I explore:

• The key provisions of the Assisted Dying Bill and its potential impact.

• How euthanasia decisions in veterinary medicine differ from human assisted dying.

• Why quality of life plays a central role in veterinary end-of-life care—but not in the current human model.

• The emotional burden of euthanasia—on vets, doctors, and families.

• Whether vets’ expertise in assessing suffering could offer valuable insights into this complex debate.

This is a sensitive, thought-provoking discussion about life, death, and dignity—through the lens of a profession that makes these decisions every day.

💡 Takeaways:

• The Assisted Dying Bill proposes medical assistance for terminally ill adults.

• Public support remains strong, with 75% in favour.

• Unlike human medicine, veterinary euthanasia is based on suffering and quality of life, not just terminal illness.

• Ethical concerns include coercion, emotional burden on doctors, and patient autonomy.

• Vets have extensive experience in assessing pain, suffering, and end-of-life decisions.

• The veterinary profession has not been consulted in the Assisted Dying Bill discussions.

• • The debate raises critical questions about how we define suffering and dignity in both human and animal medicine.

  
  

  🔗 Related Links and Resources:

  • UK Parliament Assisted Dying Bill Overview

  • Dignity in Dying – Public Campaign for Assisted Dying

  • Royal College of Physicians – Assisted Dying Position

  • BVA Ethics Discussion on End-of-Life Decision Making

    
    

  📲 Engage With Us:
  💬 What’s your take on the Assisted Dying Bill? Should vets have a say in this debate? Let me know in the comments.

  
  📲 Follow @‌DrPaulTheVet and subscribe to The Consult Room on your favorite platform to stay updated on future episodes.

  
  

  🎙️ Thank you for listening to this episode.
  You’ll find all relevant links in the show notes.

  If you enjoyed it, please follow and leave a review—it really helps others discover the podcast.

  For more insights on topics like this, connect with me on social media @‌DrPaulTheVet or visit theconsultroom.co.uk.