Assisted Dying: Britain’s Moral Dilemma – Public Supports Legalization but Fears Consequences

A recent poll has revealed that over 50% of the British public supports legalizing assisted dying, but a significant majority also believes that the practice could lead to a culture of normalizing suicide and put vulnerable individuals at risk. The survey, commissioned by the Christian charity Living and Dying Well, found that 56% of respondents fear that assisted dying could lead to a slippery slope, while 47% worry that people might choose it due to feelings of being a burden on their families.

As the House of Lords prepares to debate the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults Bill, concerns about safeguarding issues and pressures on vulnerable individuals have come to the forefront. Alistair Thompson from Care Not Killing argues that the proposed law could lead to perceived pressure on elderly individuals to end their lives, citing examples from countries where assisted dying is legal. Thompson emphasizes the importance of providing effective and accessible palliative care, stating that modern pain management should eliminate the need for assisted dying due to suffering.

The poll also revealed that 70% of respondents believe assisted dying laws in other countries have “gone too far,” and 77% support the right of healthcare professionals to conscientiously object to participating in assisted dying. Baroness Grey-Thompson, chair of Living and Dying Well, notes that the poll presents a more nuanced view of public opinion on assisted dying, highlighting ambivalence and concerns about the consequences of legalization. As the debate continues, it is clear that Britain is grappling with a complex moral dilemma, weighing the desire to alleviate suffering against the risk of unintended consequences.