What is the publics opinion on physician-assisted suicide?
Public opinion polls are an important tool in making decisions on public policy. However, poll results often reflect a person’s first impression, not necessarily his or her thoughtful belief. For example, Oregon polls on physician-assisted suicide done just before the referendum vote in 1994 showed 60-70% support, but the actual referendum passed 51.3% to 48.7%. In addition, poll results are greatly influenced by the way the poll question is worded. For example, one poll found that 72% favored allowing a physician to “end the patient’s life by some painless means”, but only 62% favored allowing the physician to “assist the patient to commit suicide.” With those caveats, let’s look at some actual poll results, both national and in Vermont.
