(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – Adults in Quebec appear to be open-minded about euthanasia, according to a poll by Angus Reid Strategies. 77 per cent of respondents oppose legalizing euthanasia in Canada’s largest province, while 17 per cent are opposed.
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – Adults in Quebec appear to be open-minded about euthanasia, according to a poll by Angus Reid Strategies. 77 per cent of respondents oppose legalizing euthanasia in Canada’s largest province, while 17 per cent are opposed.
When asked about the legalization of doctor-assisted suicide in Quebec, 78 per cent of respondents are in favour, and 16 per cent are opposed.
Last month, Yves Robert, the secretary of the Quebec College of Physicians, discussed the issue of euthanasia, saying, "We are being very cautious in our approach. Avoiding the debate contributes to the general hypocrisy around this issue. To say that it doesn’t happen because it is illegal is completely stupid.. (…) We may go as far as to recommend that in certain cases, where the pain is unbearable, the amount of analgesic required could correspond to a form of euthanasia."
The Quebec College of Physicians is expected to introduce a proposal on euthanasia in November.
The Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Albania and Thailand allow for some form of euthanasia, as well as the states of Oregon and Washington in the United States.
Polling Data
Half Sample – Generally speaking, would you support or oppose legalizing euthanasia in Quebec?
|
Strongly support |
31% |
|
Moderately support |
46% |
|
Moderately oppose |
9% |
|
Strongly oppose |
8% |
|
Not sure |
6% |
Half Sample – Generally speaking, would you support or oppose legalizing doctor-assisted suicide in Quebec?
|
Strongly support |
31% |
|
Moderately support |
47% |
|
Moderately oppose |
9% |
|
Strongly oppose |
7% |
|
Not sure |
6% |
Source: Angus Reid Strategies
Methodology: Online interviews with 804 Quebec adults, conducted on Aug. 5 and Aug. 6, 2009. Margin of error is 3.5 per cent.
