Public Opinion

Around three quarters of Australians are in favour of doctors being able to give a lethal dose of medication if requested by a hopelessly ill patient experiencing unrelievable suffering.

This statement is based on responses in Australia to the following Morgan Poll question:
"If a hopelessly ill patient, experiencing unrelievable suffering, with absolutely no chance of recovering, asks for a lethal dose, so as not to wake again, should a doctor be allowed to give a lethal dose or not ?"

47% said "yes" to a similar question in 1962. The percentage has steadily increased over the years and has been above 70% throughout the 1990. 78% said "yes" in 1993, in 1994 and again in 1995. 76% said "yes" in September 1996, only 24% saying "no" or "undecided" (Finding No. 2933). In June 2002 in SA 79% said 'yes', 15% 'no' and 6% 'undecided'. And in a Newspoll survey February 2007, 80% of Australians were in favour of PAD, only 14% opposed.

Although public opinion polls have their weaknesses, there can be no doubt of widespread support for allowing a hopelessly ill and suffering patient legal access to a requested medically hastened death.