The following Fact Sheet has been prepared by the South Australian Voluntary Euthanasia Society (SAVES). For further information visit their website at http://www.saves.asn.au

South Australian Voluntary Euthanasia Society

Australian Public Opinion


  1. Around three quarters of Australians are in favour of doctors being able to give a lethal dose if requested by a hopelessly ill patient experiencing unrelievable suffering.

  2. This statement is based on responses in Australia to the following Morgan Poll question:

    "If a hopelessly ill patient, experiencing unrelievable suffering, with absolutely no chance of recovering, asks for a lethal dose, so as not to wake again, should a doctor be allowed to give a lethal dose or not ?"

  3. 47% said "yes" to a similar question in 1962. The percentage has steadily increased over the years and has been above 70% throughout the 1990's.

  4. 78% said "yes" in 1993, in 1994 and again in 1995. 76% said "yes" in September 1996, only 24% saying "no" or "undecided" (Finding No. 2933).

  5. The percentages by religious persuasion saying "yes" in May 1996 (Finding No. 2911) were:


                 
    Anglican 81%
    Methodist 76%
    Presbyterian 73%
    Roman Catholic 69%
    Uniting Church 73%
    No religious preference 85%

  6. A substantial survey of those who attend church showed that there were more supporters (42%) of voluntary euthanasia than opponents (30%), with 28% undecided. (See "Views from the Pews", Openbook publishers, Adelaide, 1995).

  7. Polls conducted in Britain, Canada and the United States show support at a similar level.

  8. Although public opinion polls have their weaknesses, there can be no doubt of widespread support for allowing a hopelessly ill and suffering patient legal access to a requested medically hastened death.


Further information contact SAVES at: http://www.saves.asn.au

Or contact: Hon Secretary, SAVES, PO Box 2151, Kent Town, SA 5071, Australia - Fax + 61 8 8265 2287