New polling shows overwhelming support for Scottish Parliament to reconsider laws on assisted dying

The research commissioned by Dignity in Dying Scotland found that 86% of the public think the Scottish Parliament should examine the issue, and more than three quarters of those asked think this should be done within two years.

Ally Thomson, director of Dignity in Dying Scotland, welcomed the results of the poll, she said:

“The latest figures clearly illustrate a strong appetite among Scots for action to introduce a safe and compassionate assisted dying law.

“The time has come to replace the outdated blanket ban, currently in place with legislation which is aligned with public opinion. Dying citizens cannot afford to wait to know that they will be able to access a peaceful and dignified death so we are urging the Scottish Parliament to listen to the public and address this issue urgently.”

The poll of 1,148 adults in Scotland was carried out by Diffley Partnership. It found almost identical levels of support among women and men for the law to be reconsidered at Holyrood soon – and a clear majority across all age groups and in every region of the country.

Ally Thomson added:

“The law as it stands is unjust, unfair and unsustainable, forcing Scots facing a bad death to make agonising choices including travelling to Switzerland to die or taking matters into their own hands rather than suffering slow, painful deaths. This is not acceptable in a modern society and should not be tolerated any further.  It is a priority for the people and as such a priority for this parliament.”

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For further information contact: Ally Thomson Director, Dignity in Dying Scotland – Alyson.Thomson@dignityindying.org.uk, 077391735304

Notes to editors:

Polling fieldwork: The survey was designed by Diffley Partnership, with fieldwork conducted using the ScotPulse online panel. Fieldwork was conducted between 8th to 10th June 2021. Data is weighted to the sex and age profile of the population of Scotland.