When and where did the modern voluntary euthanasia movement start?
A. In l935 in Britain, in l938 in the U S A, and in l980 in Canada. The British and America groups were very small and insignificant for the next two decades. • Q. When did the movement start to become bigger and more vocal? A. After the hugely-publicized Karen Ann Quinlan `right to die’ case in New Jersey in l976 revealed to the public the extent of modern medical technology to extend life indefinitely in a persistent vegetative state. In l980 Derek Humphry founded the Hemlock Society to campaign for law reform on assisted dying. • Q. How many people support voluntary euthanasia for the terminally ill? A. Opinion polls show average support of 70 percent in the USA, 74 percent in Canada, and 80 percent in Britain. When actually voting in official ballot measures, the support has been 46 percent in Washington State (l991), 46 percent in California (l992), 51 percent in Oregon (l994), and 60 percent in Oregon (l997). Return to top of page • Q. How many physicians support assisted dying?
