A recent survey conducted by Opinium Research, commissioned by Dignity in Dying, indicates strong backing for a change in the law regarding assisted dying in the UK.
Out of more than 10,000 respondents across England and Wales, three-quarters expressed support for legalising assisted dying for terminally ill adults, with just one in eight opposing the move.
According to Dignity in Dying, the poll results were extrapolated for each parliamentary constituency in Britain, revealing widespread support for assisted dying reform. In over half of the 632 constituencies surveyed, public backing exceeded 77%, reaching as high as 85% in Brighton Pavilion.
The research also highlights that a majority of Britons would contemplate traveling to Switzerland for assisted death if faced with terminal illness, although many would find it financially unfeasible.
Dame Esther Rantzen, who recently disclosed her own battle with stage-four lung cancer, reiterated the urgency for legislative change at a parliamentary event, emphasising the current law’s cruelty and complexities.
Despite a Commons committee report affirming the effectiveness of assisted dying laws globally, it refrained from advocating for a parliamentary vote on the matter. However, both Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer have committed to allowing time for parliamentary consideration of assisted dying in the next session if they secure electoral victory.
Meanwhile, a petition calling for a free vote on assisted dying has gained significant traction, amassing over 150,000 signatures since its launch in January.
Sarah Wootton, CEO of Dignity in Dying, stressed the importance of candidates acknowledging the public’s stance on assisted dying reform as the country approaches a pivotal general election.
