Majority of Quebec residents support euthanasia

MONTREAL — More than 70 percent of the residents of Quebec support the legalization of euthanasia and assisted suicide, according to a recent survey.

The Montreal Gazette reported Aug. 22 that 71 percent of respondents said “yes” to the following question: “Do you believe decriminalizing euthanasia and assisted suicide is the right way to help people die with dignity?” Only 16 percent said “no,” and 13 percent said they were undecided. The poll was conducted for the newspaper.

Americans are far more opposed to doctor-assisted suicide. A 2009 Gallup survey showed that 56 percent of adults called doctor-assisted suicide “morally wrong” while 39 percent called it “morally acceptable.” Previous Gallup polls had it closer to a 50–50 split.

Canadian law forbids euthanasia and assisted suicide, but a Quebec provincial committee was to solicit public comment in September on the legalization of both, according to The Gazette.

In euthanasia, a physician administers a lethal dose of drugs that takes a patient’s life. In assisted suicide, a doctor does not administer a fatal dose but prescribes drugs for a patient to use in taking his own life.