Public back new right to die law; HEALTH.

There is overwhelming public support for a law allowing medically assisted dying for the terminally ill, a survey published yesterday showed.

More than three-quarters (76 per cent) of those questioned agreed or strongly agreed that terminally ill people should be allowed medical help to die.

The poll, conducted by YouGov, found that 56 per cent of people felt that those with non-terminal but incurable illness should also be allowed medical assistance to die upon request.

Sarah Wootton, chief executive of Dignity In Dying, which campaigns for greater patient choice at the end of life, said: "This survey shows the majority of the public recognises the right to die as a fundamental choice at the end of life.

"It is common sense that people who are terminally ill, mentally competent and suffering unbearably should be allowed the option of medically assisted dying. There are instances where palliative care, regardless of high standards, is not enough to alleviate the constant suffering and loss of dignity that some terminally ill people endure."