SIR – We have been told that public sentiment is now behind changing the law on assisted dying (report, June 1), with a recent opinion poll finding that 84 per cent support legalisation. However, polls are sensitive to contextual information and are easily manipulated.
In 2014 a ComRes/Care poll showed that, while 73 per cent of those asked agreed with the legalisation of assisted dying, 42 per cent of them changed their minds when arguments against assisted dying – such as people feeling pressured to end their lives so as not to be a burden on loved ones – were explained to them.
In 2013, a Gallup survey found that support fell from 73 per cent to 51 per cent when terminology changed from “end the patient’s life by some painless means” to “assisting the patient to commit suicide”. Campaigning organisations now avoid using the word “suicide”.
If we can conclude anything from public opinion polls, it is not the proportion of people who do or don’t support legislation, but how easily people’s views change when they are presented with new information. If we truly want to gauge public opinion, we need to explore and understand these issues, not gloss over them.
Professor Katherine Sleeman
Laing Galazka Chair in Palliative Care
King’s College London
