A recent survey carried out by LucidTalk has shown that 67% of respondents in Northern Ireland back assisted dying becoming legal for terminally ill or incurably suffering people. This result reflects a growing desire for reform, with campaigners urging Stormont to take action. Northern Ireland Humanists is now calling for the creation of a Citizens’ Assembly to ensure that public opinion is properly considered.
The poll posed the question: ‘Would you support the legalisation of assisted dying in Northern Ireland for adults of sound mind who are terminally ill or suffering intolerably from an incurable condition? The law would include rigorous safeguards.’
The breakdown of responses is as follows:
- Definitely: 40%
- Probably: 27%
- Don’t know or not sure: 5%
- Probably not: 9%
- Definitely not: 19%
The polling was commissioned by My Death, My Decision Northern Ireland.
In March this year, the special Oireachtas committee in the Republic of Ireland published its report which recommended that legislation should be introduced to allow for assisted dying.
Boyd Sleator, Northern Ireland Coordinator for Humanists UK, said:
‘This poll makes it clear that a significant majority of people in Northern Ireland are ready for a compassionate law on assisted dying. It is crucial that the voices of those who are terminally ill or suffering unbearably are heard, and that they are offered the choice to end their suffering with dignity. A Citizens’ Assembly would be the ideal way to bring a diverse range of views together, ensuring that any future legislation reflects the will of the people.
‘Northern Ireland has a unique opportunity to lead the way in crafting progressive, evidence-based laws that respect individual autonomy while ensuring proper protections. The conversation around assisted dying is taking place across the UK, Ireland, and beyond, and it’s time for Northern Ireland to actively engage with it.’
Notes
Polling was carried out by Belfast-based polling and market research company LucidTalk. The project was carried out online for a period of 4 days from 16th to 19th August 2024. 3,443 full responses were received. A data auditing process was then carried out to ensure all completed poll-surveys were genuine ‘one-person, one-vote’ responses, and this resulted in 1,051 responses being considered and verified as the base data-set (weighted and unweighted). 3,443 people responded to the question.
For further comment or information, media should contact Boyd Sleator. Northern Ireland Coordinator at boyd@humanists.uk or phone 07918 975795.
If you have been affected by the current assisted dying legislation, and want to use your story to support a change in the law, please email campaigns@humanists.uk.
Read six reasons we need an assisted dying law.
Read more about our analysis of the assisted dying inquiry.
Read more about our work to legalise assisted dying in the UK.
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