New report: in-depth exploration of public views on assisted dying in England

A new report from the Nuffield Council on Bioethics (NCOB) combines detailed insights from England’s first Citizens’ Jury on assisted dying and two nationally representative surveys of 2,000 people to provide a timely and comprehensive analysis of public views on the topic. This report, written by HVM, highlights that Jury members and Survey respondents call for any new legislation on this issue to have:

• Firm guardrails to protect vulnerable citizens and ensure strong safeguarding measures are core to the legislation.

• Embedded guidelines for implementation.

• Transparency on what is and is not allowed in law.

The Jury felt that a topic as significant as assisted dying should be considered at a societal level, beyond individual views, interests and preferences, and through a public benefit lens. This means that policy makers should consider carefully if a change in the law will bring benefits to wider society.

Since October 2023 HVM has been working with NCOB to design and deliver a programme which addresses the evidence gap that has been present in the national conversation on assisted dying. This report, for the first time, provides insight into the underlying factors – including the ethical, social and practical considerations – that influence how people living in England think and feel about assisted dying. HVM worked with partners M.E.L Research which delivered the two nationally representative surveys, and the Sortition Foundation which recruited the 30 Jury members through the sortition, civic lottery, process.

Using a mixed methods approach, including two nationally representative surveys and most notably England’s first Citizens’ Jury on assisted dying, we have been able to provide rich, credible and in-depth qualitative evidence for policy makers and legislators. And, as the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill continues to be debated, the NCOB have provided these insights when they have been needed the most.

Henrietta Hopkins, Director of Hopkins Van Mil, said:

“It has been a privilege to work with the Nuffield Council on Bioethics on such a timely and significant project. By bringing a diverse group of people together to reflect meaningfully over time we are now able to understand not only what people think about assisted dying, but why they think it. This, when viewed alongside the survey insights, paints a rich and detailed picture of what the public wants to happen. I hope this evidence will be heard and acted upon by those who will be making decisions about this soon.”