Two-thirds support legalising assisted dying in next five years, new poll shows

The research comes as a Bill to give choice at the end of life is set to come before Parliament next week for the first time in almost a decade

Almost two-thirds of people in England and Wales are calling for the legalisation of assisted dying for terminally ill adults within the next five years, according to new research.

This comes as a Bill offering end-of-life choices is due to be presented to Parliament next week for the first time in nearly ten years. The new study, conducted by the Policy Institute and the Complex Life and Death Decisions group at King’s College London (KCL), also indicated that younger individuals are less likely to support assisted dying.

It highlighted the fluctuating nature of some people's views, with some supporters admitting they could change their stance if they believed someone had been coerced into choosing an assisted death or had made the decision due to inadequate care access. Overall, the poll found that 20% of respondents do not want assisted dying to be legalised in the next five years, while 63% do.

Nearly a fifth (17%) of the 2,063 adults in England and Wales surveyed over two days in September stated they do not take a side or have an opinion on the matter. The majority (85%) of those who support a law change cited a less painful or distressing death as a very important reason for their view, while a similar proportion (83%) said giving people more dignity at the end of their life is very important.

Almost three-quarters (72%) of supporters argued that legalisation is about people being able to choose how and when they die. The majority of people against assisted dying laws are worried that vulnerable people could be pressured, with 72% voicing this concern, and nearly seven in ten believing doctors should focus on saving lives rather than assisting with deaths.

According to new findings, the nation grapples with the "moral complexities" of such legislation, even amongst those generally favouring it. Some 61% fear pressure being placed on individuals to opt for assisted death if legal changes occur. This includes more than half of the pro-reform campaigners.

Some 55% of reform supporters admit they might switch their stance if pressure cases arise. Additionally, concerns about the accessibility of quality end-of-life care are influencing the debate, with nearly half reconsidering their position if poor care options drive the choice for an assisted death.

Advocates for law changes commonly cite subpar palliative care as a driver for their stance, emphasising its grave importance. Interestingly, while 68% of over 35s support legislators pushing through with legalisation, the younger generation appears more hesitant, with only half backing the move. The researchers suggested that the heightened concern among older individuals could be due to the "greater salience of this issue for those at a more advanced stage of life, as well as their higher likelihood of having experienced the death of loved ones".

While 66% of white people expressed support for a change in law within the next five years, this figure dropped to 46% among ethnic minorities. The study indicated that those with mental health conditions are most likely to feel pressured into assisted death, with 43% of the public agreeing.

Other groups perceived to be at high risk included older people (34%), those with disabilities (33%), individuals suffering from chronic pain or long-term health conditions (33%) and those with cognitive impairments (30%). A total of 59% of respondents felt that assisted dying should be available on the NHS, while 18% disagreed.

The researchers noted a lack of clear consensus regarding the potential financial impact on the health service if assisted dying were legalised, with 25% believing costs would remain roughly the same, and 18% unsure. Almost one-third (32%) thought that overall health service costs would decrease if the NHS provided assisted dying.

Just over a third (35%) said they would be more inclined to support the legalisation of assisted dying if it reduced overall NHS costs, compared to 23% who would be less likely to do so. The poll revealed that almost twice as many people believe that individuals should not have to pay for their own assisted death, with 44% opposing charges compared to 23% in support.

The survey also showed a prevailing public backing for private healthcare firms providing assisted dying services, at 55% versus the 24% against it. In contrast, opinions are divided on the idea of these private enterprises receiving state funds for such services, as 37% opposed it while 28% are in favour.

The Government has already confirmed that MPs will have a free vote on the Bill, making a decision according to their own conscience rather than along party lines. Findings from the research indicate that, among the supporters of reform, 45% want their MP to vote for the new law, but 29% prefer MPs to follow their conscience during the vote.

According to Professor Gareth Owen from King's College London (KCL), "Two-thirds of the public look ready for a change in the law but preferences may be unstable in light of moral complexities and imperfect access to care."

Professor Bobby Duffy, also of KCL, pointed out that the study highlights a public sentiment that is neither firmly decided nor deeply polarised; he noted that "while minorities of the public have very strong views in support or opposition, the majority are somewhat in the middle, either not having any opinion or only tending to support or oppose – views could shift quickly" due to the nuanced nature of the issue.

Professor Katherine Sleeman, a colleague at KCL, emphasised the importance of considering the complexities involved in implementing assisted dying reform. She stated it is "critical that the debate on assisted dying considers the complexities involved in implementing this kind of reform", including "the implications of legalising assisted dying in a context where many dying people struggle to access the care they need".

The research was conducted on September 18 and 19 2024, by the Policy Institute and the Complex Life and Death Decisions (Cladd) group at King’s College London, in collaboration with Focaldata.