The Nuffield Council on Bioethics has today published research exploring public views on assisted dying. The survey shows that 70% of people support a change in the law, rising to 75% among disabled people. Humanists UK welcomes this new study, which adds to the growing call for politicians to back Kim Leadbeater MP’s Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill being debated in the House of Commons on 29 November.
The report states:
‘When those who support a change in the law were asked to give the reasons for their view in their own words, the most commonly given explanations were that someone terminally ill or without quality of life should be allowed to end their life (49%), that people should not have to suffer (47%) and that people should have a right to choose (44%).’
Among the minority of the public who oppose a change in the law, the explanation most common given to explain this point of view was religious beliefs (22%). This is in spite of the fact that most publicly expressed opposition to assisted dying, including from religious stakeholders, is couched in secular language.
Richy Thompson, Director of Public Affairs at Humanists UK, said:
‘This report validates all previous research and yet again shows the public desire for politicians to support this law change. Compassion at the end of life should be the only driving force.
‘Safeguards work in 31 other jurisdictions to make sure assisted dying laws can operate successfully and conscientious objection for medical staff will be in place to protect those whose worldviews do not align with the principle of this law. The public clearly wants this change and now is the time to act.’
Notes
For further comment or information, media should contact Nathan Stilwell at nathan@humanists.uk or phone 07456200033.
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.
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Humanists defend the right of each individual to live by their own personal values, and the freedom to make decisions about their own life so long as this does not result in harm to others. Humanists do not share the attitudes to death and dying held by some religious believers, in particular that the manner and time of death are for a deity to decide, and that interference in the course of nature is unacceptable. We firmly uphold the right to life but we recognise that this right carries with it the right of each individual to make their own judgement about whether their life should be prolonged in the face of pointless suffering.
We recognise that any assisted dying law must contain strong safeguards, but the international evidence from countries where assisted dying is legal shows that safeguards can be effective. We also believe that the choice of assisted dying should not be considered an alternative to palliative care, but should be offered together as in many other countries.
Read six reasons we need an assisted dying law.
Read more about our analysis of the assisted dying inquiry.
Read more about our campaign to legalise assisted dying in the UK.
Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by over 120,000 members and supporters, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. We provide ceremonies, pastoral care, education, and support services benefitting over a million people every year and our campaigns advance humanist thinking on ethical issues, human rights, and equal treatment for all.