Public Opinion

Wennberg quoted three survey. First is the survey which is a 1986 Roper poll. The question of this survey is “When a person has a painful and distressing terminal disease, do you think doctors should or should not be allowed by law to end the patient’s life if there is no hope of recovery and the patient requests it?” The result is that most of people agree with the idea that doctors should be allowed by law. Second survey is a 1987 California poll. The question of the second survey is “Should an incurably ill patient have the right to ask for and get life-ending medication?” The result of this question is that most of people agree with patient’s right which they can do that. Third survey is the National Opinion Research Center in 1977. The question of this survey is “When a person has a disease that cannot be cured, do you think doctors should be allowed by law to end the patient’s life by some means if the patient and his family request it?” The result of this question is also that most of people think doctors should be allowed. In addition, Wennberg quoted the other result which indicate relationship between religion and the idea of euthanasia. The result is that more people that Church attendance is high and religiosity is strong disagree with euthanasia than people that Church attendance is low and religiosity is weak. In conclusion, expert’s opinion and public opinion are often quite different.