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Public opinion.

80% of people support the legalisation of assisted dying - the majority of the public believe that a dying adult who is able to make the decision should be allowed the choice of assisted dying if their suffering has become unbearable.

80% of public support should mean something: public policy is influenced by what you think; politicians will take note of what you believe; but without airing your opinion the small minority who oppose choice at the end of life will continue to ensure assisted dying remains illegal. Tell your MP the facts. 

Public opinion: the facts

Polls ranging back as far as 1984 always give the same result - an overwhelming majority support a change in the law on assisted dying. British Social Attitudes (BSA) surveys have found:

 

  • In 2010 82% of people agreed 'a doctor should probably or definitely be allowed to end the life of a patient with a painful, incurable illness at the patient’s request (BSA 2010)'.
  • In 2007 80% of people agreed 'a person with a terminal painful illness from which they will die should be allowed an assisted death (BSA 2007)'.
  • Religious belief is not usually a factor. BSA 2010 survey found 71% of the general public with religious belief support assisted dying for a person with a terminal painful illness.
  • The majority of people with a disability are supportive of assisted dying. BSA 2007 survey found 75% of people with a disability believed that a person with a terminal and painful illness from which they will die should be allowed an assisted death.
  • Public support drops significantly for assisted suicide (assisting a person who is not already dying to end their life). BSA 2007 found only 45% of people agreed: A person with an incurable and painful illness, from which they will not die should be allowed an assistance to die.

 

Public opinion: why it matters

MPs are elected to listen to their constituents and they should take note of what you think. The fact that 80% of the general public support assisted dying means we have considerable power to sway decision-makers.

But the taboo surrounding death and assisted dying continues to be a huge barrier to our success. Airing your opinion publicly, to your MP, to your friends, to the media, helps to break down this wall. Together with other campaigners, you can make sure that the choice of assisted dying becomes a reality, a choice that the majority of people want.