80% favour mercy killing by doctor

The British Social Attitudes Survey found 80% supported voluntary euthanasia for "a person with an incurable and painful illness, from which they will die, for example someone dying of cancer".

There is less public support in cases where a person will not die from their incurable illness, with only 45% found to be in favour.

A similar proportion supported the right to die for someone who is completely dependent on relatives for washing and feeding but not in pain or danger of death.

Euthanasia by a doctor attracted the most support - 80% - while physician-assisted suicide was supported by 60% and slightly less than half said relatives should be allowed to administer voluntary euthanasia. A link between religion and attitudes towards assisted death was found with support waning among regular worshippers.

The report suggests the law seems to be out of step with popular opinion and believed that the public has a good understanding of the issue.

"In certain respects, at least the current law that prohibits assisted dying seems to be at odds with public opinion. Clear majorities accept that a doctor should be allowed to hasten the death of someone who is painfully and terminally ill," it stated.

"Those who demonstrate a concern for the sanctity of life are those who are most opposed to assisted dying, especially if they practice a religion. Those who are concerned about individual autonomy are inclined to the opposite view. Attitudes towards assisted dying appear to be consistently rooted in a wider set of values."

Forms of assisted dying have been made legal in the Netherlands, Belgium and in Oregon in the US. In Switzerland, voluntary clinics have been established where people can choose to die, which has attracted people from other countries, including the UK.

Attempts have failed at both Westminster and Holyrood to change the law to allow assisted death in some form.

Jeremy Purvis, the Liberal Democrat MSP, introduced a bill in the Scottish Parliament last year which would have allowed terminally ill people the right to end their life. He said more than half of the respondents to a consultation were in favour of legalising euthanasia. However, his bill failed to attract enough support among MSPs.

Lord Joffe introduced a bill in the House of Lords three times between 2003 and 2005, which also failed.

Mr Purvis said: "I think 80% is absolutely conclusive and there can be no doubt there is now support for at least a full investigation of the law.

"I think this shows the vast majority of people in Scotland should support a change to allow a humane and dignified death.

"I am disappointed the parliament ducked this issue this time and voters should use the forthcoming election to ask their candidates where they stand on the issue."

However, the Catholic Church in Scotland last night reiterated its opposition to euthanasia "in any form". A spokesman said: "We believe no-one has he right to take someone's life whether that person asks you to or not.

"A great fear in this debate is is that voluntary euthanasia can easily become involuntary euthanasia. Elderly people can start to feel pressurised or obliged to arrange their own death. We would be opposed to any move to change the law."

A spokeswoman for the British Medical Association Scotland added: "In 2005 the annual conference debated the issue and moved from opposing physician assisted suicide to a neutral stance. However, last year this was reversed.

"The BMA is of the opinion that it is a matter for society to decide upon, this is something which is debated regularly and a majority of members are currently against it.

"There are some concerns that doctors would not be comfortable with this responsibility and there are concerns that some vulnerable people could be placed at risk."