Story Highlights
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- As right-to-die legislation is under debate in many states, 73% of U.S. adults say a doctor should be allowed to end a terminally ill patient's life by painless means if the patient requests it. This is in line with the 69% to 70% Gallup has recorded since 2013, but much higher than support for euthanasia before 1990.
These data come from Gallup's annual Values and Beliefs poll, conducted May 3-7. Last month, the Nevada state senate voted narrowly to advance legislation that would allow terminally ill patients in the state the option to end their lives. Maine's House of Representatives rejected similar legislation that same week, however, after it barely passed in the state Senate.
According to the Death with Dignity National Center, five states and the District of Columbia currently have "death with dignity" statutes that "allow mentally competent adult state residents who have a terminal illness with a confirmed prognosis of having six or fewer months to live to voluntarily request and receive a prescription medication to hasten their inevitable, imminent death." The District of Columbia, however, could be barred from funding its recently passed law under President Donald Trump's proposed budget.
Support for euthanasia is nearly double what it was when Gallup first polled on the question in 1947, when 37% said it should be allowed by law. By 1973, a slim majority of 53% supported it. Since 1990, solid majorities of Americans have expressed support for euthanasia, ranging from 64% to 75%.
Smaller Majorities of Weekly Churchgoers, Conservatives Support Euthanasia
Gallup has found that people's views on the subject often differ based on their religious and political persuasions. A slim majority of weekly churchgoers (55%) support allowing a doctor to end a terminally ill patient's life through painless means upon request, whereas nearly nine in 10 adults who rarely if ever go to church say this should be allowed (87%).
The issue is somewhat less divisive among party and ideological groups. About nine in 10 liberals (89%) support euthanasia, compared with 79% of moderates and 60% of conservatives. Also, 81% of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents as well as 67% of Republicans and Republican leaners say euthanasia should be allowed.
Support for Euthanasia, by Group
When a person has a disease that cannot be cured, do you think doctors should be allowed by law to end the patient's life by some painless means if the patient and his or her family request it?
Support for Doctor-Assisted Suicide Now Similar to That for Euthanasia
Since 1996, Gallup has asked a separate question about a practice related to euthanasia -- whether doctors should be allowed to assist a terminally ill patient living in severe pain "to commit suicide if the patient requests it." Currently, 67% say doctors should be allowed to do so. This is on the higher end of what Gallup has measured historically. Consistent majorities have expressed support for doctor-assisted suicide in Gallup's trend since the question was first asked in the late 1990s. The low point was 51% in 2013.
Americans have historically responded less favorably to the "doctor-assisted suicide" question than to the euthanasia item, but the gap has diminished in recent years. From 1996 through 2013, an average of 58% supported doctor-assisted suicide, while 69% supported euthanasia. Since then, the averages are 65% and 70%, respectively. The diminished gap could be a result of greater exposure to the issue as some states have passed "death with dignity" laws. Additionally, Americans have recently expressed more liberal views on a variety of issues.
It should be noted that, for many "death with dignity" advocates, semantics are important. According to the American Public Health Association, "Medical and legal experts have recognized that the term 'suicide' or 'assisted suicide' is inappropriate when discussing the choice of a mentally competent terminally ill patient to seek medications that he or she could consume to bring about a peaceful and dignified death." Americans, too, may see less of a distinction between euthanasia and doctor-assisted suicide than they have in the past.
Views on Moral Acceptability of Doctor-Assisted Suicide
Since 2001, Gallup has measured Americans' views on the moral acceptability of doctor-assisted suicide along with more than a dozen other issues.
In the latest poll, 57% of Americans say doctor-assisted suicide is morally acceptable -- the highest, by one percentage point, in Gallup's trend.
With 67% of Americans saying doctors should be allowed to assist terminally ill patients in committing suicide but 57% saying it is morally acceptable, some segment of the public thinks it should be legal even though they do not find it a morally acceptable practice.
Bottom Line
In the past year, death with dignity legislation has gone into effect in two states, California and Colorado, and legislation has been passed in the District of Columbia. Though the movement appears to have stalled at least temporarily with legislative roadblocks in Maine and Nevada, Americans' support for the practice remains high.
While Gallup has found that solid majorities support euthanasia in recent decades, the current level of support is on the high end of this trend.
Americans' views on euthanasia have evolved, generally becoming more liberal, and could shift further as states continue to debate a suffering patient's right to die. But support for euthanasia has not been a steady, upward climb; unique cases like those of Terri Schiavo and, more recently, Brittany Maynard, have influenced the national conversation. For the time being, more than two-thirds of national adults continue to support euthanasia -- with majorities in favor even among the least supportive groups, such as weekly churchgoers.
Historical data are available in Gallup Analytics.
Results for this Gallup poll are based on telephone interviews conducted May 3-7, 2017, with a random sample of 1,011 adults, aged 18 and older, living in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. For results based on the total sample of national adults, the margin of sampling error is 4 percentage points at the 95% confidence level. For results based on the half-sample of 518 national adults who were asked about euthanasia and the half sample of 493 national adults who were asked about doctor-assisted suicide, the margin of sampling error is 5 percentage points. All reported margins of sampling error include computed design effects for weighting.
Each sample of national adults includes a minimum quota of 70% cellphone respondents and 30% landline respondents, with additional minimum quotas by time zone within region. Landline and cellular telephone numbers are selected using random-digit-dial methods.
View survey methodology, complete question responses and trends.
Learn more about how the Gallup Poll Social Series works.
The rest is here:
Majority of Americans Remain Supportive of Euthanasia - Gallup
- Euthanasia - The New York Times [Last Updated On: December 9th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 9th, 2016]
- Euthanasia | Define Euthanasia at Dictionary.com [Last Updated On: December 12th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 12th, 2016]
- Taking Life: Humans, by Peter Singer - Utilitarian [Last Updated On: December 21st, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 21st, 2016]
- Free euthanasia Essays and Papers - 123helpme [Last Updated On: December 21st, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 21st, 2016]
- Half a Life (Star Trek: The Next Generation) - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: January 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 20th, 2017]
- Euthanasia | Students for Life [Last Updated On: January 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 24th, 2017]
- Mass euthanasia rumors prompt adoptions en masse at animal control shelter in Georgia - fox6now.com [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Doctor 'asked family to hold down struggling euthanasia victim ... - Catholic Herald Online [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Doctor who asked dementia patient's family to hold her down while she gave lethal injection cleared - The Independent [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- County animal shelter aggressively working to cut euthanasia rate - ABC15 Arizona [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Once euthanasia is voluntary, it will become irresistible. Just ask the ... - Catholic Herald Online (blog) [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- New Law in Taiwan Halts Euthanasia of Stray Animals - Seeker - Seeker [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Dog food recalled after discovery of euthanasia drug - Detroit Free Press [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Evanger's dog food recalled after euthanasia drug found in one batch - WHIO [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Euthanasia's goals: save money, collect organs - One News Now - OneNewsNow [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- RECALL: Canned dog food has traces of animal euthanasia drug - KUTV 2News [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- US dog food recall after euthanasia drug found - BBC News [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Taiwan bans euthanasia of stray animals - Yahoo - Yahoo News [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- Euthanasia reform moves forward in the senate - Deseret News [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- Wheeling-based Evanger's recalls dog food found to contain euthanasia drug - Chicago Tribune [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- Dog food recalled after euthanasia drug found in can. One dog dead. - Washington Post [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- Dog food sold in Minnesota recalled over euthanasia drug - TwinCities.com-Pioneer Press [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Imagining a future with compulsory euthanasia - MercatorNet [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Euthanasia 'Safeguards' Soon Seen as 'Hurdles' - National Review [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Dog food recalled after euthanasia drug found in it - CNN [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Bill to Ban Gas Chamber Euthanasia Moves to the Senate - Good4Utah [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Religion in the courtroom: Neil Gorsuch's faith and writings draw close attention - The Denver Post [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Dutch doctors against euthanasia for advanced dementia patients - NL Times [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Canadian study touts euthanasia's cost 'benefit' - Brnow [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Pug Dies After Eating Dog Food Contaminated With Euthanasia Drug - Huffington Post [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Patients Rights Council [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- New euthanasia debate in Spain - BioEdge [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Labour will not introduce private members bill on euthanasia - Scoop.co.nz (press release) [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- MP's personal story behind euthanasia support - Clarence Valley Daily Examiner [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Could laser therapy help dog owners avoid euthanasia? - 12news.com [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Speaker receives citizens' initiative on legalisation of euthanasia - YLE News [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Euthanasia's march Down Under - Catholic Herald Online (blog) [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Another company issues recall after euthanasia drug found in dog ... - KATU [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Medical Council against euthanasia: 'We don't want youths euthanising their grandparents' - MaltaToday [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- More dog food recalled because it may contain euthanasia drug ... - Q13 FOX [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Law students accuse Medical Council of twisting their euthanasia arguments - MaltaToday [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Hanson, Hinch launch passionate arguments for euthanasia law - Starts at 60 [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Pauline Hanson and Derryn Hinch get riled up about euthanasia - Starts at 60 [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- Brigit Forsyth on euthanasia, internet dating and whether she'd consider Likely Lads revival - ChronicleLive [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- FDA confirms euthanasia agent pentobarbital in dog food | Food ... - Food Safety News [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- Oregon's Euthanasia Bill Is Intentionally Ambiguous - National Review [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- Conservative leaders argued drugs, euthanasia, and fiscal policy in Langley - Langley Advance [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- New German film addresses Nazi child 'euthanasia' - euronews [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- How Did a Euthanasia Drug End Up in Dog Food? - Care2.com [Last Updated On: February 21st, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 21st, 2017]
- Why euthanasia slippery slopes are inevitable - National Right to Life News [Last Updated On: February 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 22nd, 2017]
- Oregon's euthanasia bill awash with 'ambiguity' - OneNewsNow [Last Updated On: February 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 22nd, 2017]
- Adoption center works to reduce euthanasia - The Dominion Post [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2017]
- Police stance was to not answer questions over details of euthanasia checkpoint - Stuff.co.nz [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2017]
- WA election: Euthanasia, Safe Schools hot topics as Liberal, Labor leaders face Christian voters - ABC Online [Last Updated On: February 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 24th, 2017]
- Lessons from indigenous wisdom in the euthanasia debate - MercatorNet [Last Updated On: February 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 24th, 2017]
- Dying man gathers his family together for final hours before ... - 9Honey [Last Updated On: February 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 24th, 2017]
- Quebec Moves Toward Euthanasia for Alzheimer's | National Review - National Review [Last Updated On: February 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 24th, 2017]
- Once Euthanasia Voluntary, It'll Become Irresistible, Ask the Dutch; Real Humility; and More! - National Catholic Register (blog) [Last Updated On: February 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 25th, 2017]
- APA Position on Medical Euthanasia - Psychiatric Times [Last Updated On: February 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 25th, 2017]
- Pike County animal shelter reduces euthanasia rates - WYMT News (press release) [Last Updated On: February 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 25th, 2017]
- BioEdge: Should Quebec's Alzheimer's patients be eligible for ... - BioEdge [Last Updated On: February 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 25th, 2017]
- 45 Rescued Cats and Dogs Are Facing Euthanasia But One Woman is Fighting to Build Them Shelter - One Green Planet [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2017]
- Minnesota Euthanasia Advocates Introduce Legislation to Legalize ... - LifeNews.com [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2017]
- Italy: tetraplegic DJ stirs up euthanasia debate by assisted suicide in Switzerland - euronews [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2017]
- Euthanasia and Alzheimer's: Canada takes a step in the wrong direction - MercatorNet [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2017]
- Choice is an Illusion President Margaret Dore States Hawaii ... - EconoTimes [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2017]
- Evanger's expands recall because dog food may contain euthanasia drug - The Seattle Times [Last Updated On: March 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 1st, 2017]
- Last Wishes mobile pet euthanasia service adds storefront hospice for pets - Chron.com [Last Updated On: March 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 1st, 2017]
- DJ's assisted suicide stirs up Italy euthanasia debate - BBC News [Last Updated On: March 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 1st, 2017]
- The euthanasia debate is polarised, yet shared concerns unite all sides - The Guardian [Last Updated On: March 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 1st, 2017]
- Jagged Vision Streaming "Euthanasia" - Metal Underground [Last Updated On: March 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 2nd, 2017]
- Paralysed Italian DJ takes own life in Swiss clinic after fruitless euthanasia campaign in his native country - The Independent [Last Updated On: March 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 2nd, 2017]
- Mane Attraction hosts Beauty to the RESCUE to fight animal euthanasia - 12news.com [Last Updated On: March 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 3rd, 2017]
- Finnish parliament debates legalising euthanasia - Expatica Netherlands [Last Updated On: March 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 3rd, 2017]
- Euthanasia Advocate Changes Her Mind After Watching the Euthanasia Deception Documentary - LifeNews.com [Last Updated On: March 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 3rd, 2017]
- In places where it's legal, how many people are ending their lives ... - EconoTimes [Last Updated On: March 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 3rd, 2017]
- DJ's assisted suicide fuels Italy's euthanasia debate - MercatorNet [Last Updated On: March 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 3rd, 2017]
- Corgi pit bull with lopsided jaw saved from euthanasia - BBC News [Last Updated On: March 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 3rd, 2017]
- Euthanasia: What to Expect When Your Dog is Put Down [Last Updated On: March 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 3rd, 2017]
- Gentle Journey Phoenix Arizona In Home Pet Euthanasia [Last Updated On: March 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 3rd, 2017]