New data from the British Social Attitudes survey shows public support for assisted dying in cases of terminal illness remains high and stable, even after a year of intense debate in both the Commons and the House of Lords.
British Social Attitudes has tracked views on assisted dying for decades, and the most recent study finds the balance of opinion has been consistent over time. The latest survey by the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) found that 79% of respondents felt assisted dying should be allowed.
This new data comes as debate in the House of Lords continues to grind on at a glacial pace, with a small group of Peers determined to undermine the settled and longstanding opinions of the public. According to this long-standing research, the public “largely seems to have made its mind up in favour of change a long time ago.”
While the public are clear on their support of assisted dying, Humanists UK and My Death My Decision have identified several instances of peers being equally clear that they are trying to block the Bill by means other than it being voted down.
New polling from More in Common, also released this week, suggests the public is losing patience with delay tactics in the House of Lords. More than four in five Britons (83%) say that the assisted dying bill should be introduced again in the next session of Parliament if it runs out of time.
Graham Winyard, Co-chair of My Death, My Decision said:
“The British Social Attitude survey underlines what we have seen consistently: the public supports giving terminally ill people choice at the end of life, with strong safeguards. Parliament must ensure this issue is debated properly and brought to a conclusion that reflects the overwhelming opinion of the public. People who are dying do not have time for endless delay.
Notes
British Social Attitudes is NatCen’s long-running study tracking public attitudes in Britain. More in Common’s polling cited above is published in full on its website.
Members of the MDMD team, as well as individuals affected by the current law on assisted dying, are available for interview upon request
For further comment or information, media should contact Nathan Stilwell at nathan.stilwell@mydeath-mydecision.org.uk or phone 07456200033. (media only)
Media can use the following press images and videos, as long as they are attributed to “My Death, My Decision”.
My Death, My Decision is a grassroots campaign group that wants the law in England and Wales to allow mentally competent adults who are terminally ill or intolerably suffering from an incurable condition the option of a legal, safe, and compassionate assisted death. With the support of over 3,000 members and supporters, we advocate for an evidence-based law that would balance individual choice alongside robust safeguards and finally give the people of England and Wales choice at the end of their lives.
