Dignity in Dying comment on: Poll ‘support for mercy killings’

Commenting on a BBC Poll which found that “almost three-quarters of people support assisted suicide for someone who is terminally ill”, Sarah Wootton, Chief Executive of Dignity in Dying said:

“This poll shows that the public distinguishes between assisted dying for terminally ill people, which we believe should be legalised and regulated, and assisted suicide for chronically ill people, which we believe should remain an offence, but one that is dealt with compassionately by the judicial system. Other opinion polls such as the recent British Social Attitudes Survey show even higher levels of public support for doctors helping terminally ill people to die, at the patient’s request, rather than family members or friends. This is not a matter people should have to take into their own hands, but rather a decision they make with the assistance and advice of health professionals.”