Menu
08/11/2012
Two Thirds Back Assisted Suicide
The majority of people back the notion of assisted suicide, according to research from Bangor University.
The university found two thirds of over 62,000 people surveyed said they agreed with assisted suicide.
The report also found that support was around the same among people with terminal illnesses as for the general public.
The main reason given for supporting assisted death was suffering, along with loss of dignity, being a burden and loneliness.
Researchers have claimed the results contradict a recent review claiming doctors mostly opposed euthanasia.
Prof Clare Wilkinson of the North Wales Centre for Primary Care Research said: "Our work highlights the collective views of a huge number of people, including those from Britain. The medical profession needs to recognise and have respect for this majority view even if we don’t agree with it."
Maggie Hendry, who led the research at Bangor University’s North Wales Centre for Primary Care Research said: "For the first time, we’re giving voice to the majority opinion on this topic. In the media, the debate seems to have focussed on the opinions of the medical profession and their legal advisers, religious groups and a few high-profile cases."
Lord Joffe’s Terminally Ill Bill, which was blocked by the House of Lords 2006, required a doctor to "conclude that the patient is suffering unbearably as a result of a terminal illness."
But researchers say the results show it is debatable whether a doctor should have to agree that a person’s suffering is unbearable.
"If a doctor recognises the person’s autonomy, and their own perception of suffering", a statement said, "this research suggests it needs to be the person who decides."
Assisted dying is legal in four European countries; Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland and Luxembourg.
(IT/GK)
The university found two thirds of over 62,000 people surveyed said they agreed with assisted suicide.
The report also found that support was around the same among people with terminal illnesses as for the general public.
The main reason given for supporting assisted death was suffering, along with loss of dignity, being a burden and loneliness.
Researchers have claimed the results contradict a recent review claiming doctors mostly opposed euthanasia.
Prof Clare Wilkinson of the North Wales Centre for Primary Care Research said: "Our work highlights the collective views of a huge number of people, including those from Britain. The medical profession needs to recognise and have respect for this majority view even if we don’t agree with it."
Maggie Hendry, who led the research at Bangor University’s North Wales Centre for Primary Care Research said: "For the first time, we’re giving voice to the majority opinion on this topic. In the media, the debate seems to have focussed on the opinions of the medical profession and their legal advisers, religious groups and a few high-profile cases."
Lord Joffe’s Terminally Ill Bill, which was blocked by the House of Lords 2006, required a doctor to "conclude that the patient is suffering unbearably as a result of a terminal illness."
But researchers say the results show it is debatable whether a doctor should have to agree that a person’s suffering is unbearable.
"If a doctor recognises the person’s autonomy, and their own perception of suffering", a statement said, "this research suggests it needs to be the person who decides."
Assisted dying is legal in four European countries; Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland and Luxembourg.
(IT/GK)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 October 2004
Patients have asked me to help them die, say one in three doctors
The enormous strain doctors are placed under at work has been revealed by a new survey which found one in three professionals have been asked by a patient for help to die.
Patients have asked me to help them die, say one in three doctors
The enormous strain doctors are placed under at work has been revealed by a new survey which found one in three professionals have been asked by a patient for help to die.
12 October 2015
£200m Polar Research Ship To Be Built
The preferred bidder to construct a £200m state-of-the-art polar research ship has been named. Cammell Laird in Birkenhead has been selected as the preferred bidder for the project which will help the UK remain at the forefront of climate and ocean research.
£200m Polar Research Ship To Be Built
The preferred bidder to construct a £200m state-of-the-art polar research ship has been named. Cammell Laird in Birkenhead has been selected as the preferred bidder for the project which will help the UK remain at the forefront of climate and ocean research.
26 April 2007
Less women involved in drink fighting
Serious violence-related injuries fell by 2% in England and Wales, despite the introduction of new licensing laws, a survey has found. The survey, by Cardiff University's Violence Research Group, studied data from 33 Accident and Emergency departments across England and Wales.
Less women involved in drink fighting
Serious violence-related injuries fell by 2% in England and Wales, despite the introduction of new licensing laws, a survey has found. The survey, by Cardiff University's Violence Research Group, studied data from 33 Accident and Emergency departments across England and Wales.
12 May 2005
Ecstasy and anti-depressants could halt cancer growth
Scientists have discovered possible cancer-busting properties in ecstasy and anti-depressant drugs. Research at the University of Birmingham, backed by the Leukaemia Research Fund, discovered that over half of lymphoma (cancers of white blood cells) samples studied responded in test tubes to the growth-halting properties of psychotropic drugs.
Ecstasy and anti-depressants could halt cancer growth
Scientists have discovered possible cancer-busting properties in ecstasy and anti-depressant drugs. Research at the University of Birmingham, backed by the Leukaemia Research Fund, discovered that over half of lymphoma (cancers of white blood cells) samples studied responded in test tubes to the growth-halting properties of psychotropic drugs.
20 October 2004
Care suspends Iraqi assistance following Hassan kidnapping
The international aid agency, Care, has suspended its activities in Iraq following the kidnapping of one of its senior staff yesterday. Margaret Hassan, Care's country director in Iraq, was abducted yesterday morning in Baghdad.
Care suspends Iraqi assistance following Hassan kidnapping
The international aid agency, Care, has suspended its activities in Iraq following the kidnapping of one of its senior staff yesterday. Margaret Hassan, Care's country director in Iraq, was abducted yesterday morning in Baghdad.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A dry day with any low cloud and mist clearing during the morning leaving long spells of warm sunshine. Breezy at times around the coast. Maximum temperature 20 °C.Tonight:A fine end to the day with some sunshine, then clear spells overnight. Low cloud could form around some Irish Sea coasts later in the night. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
