Seymour challenges MPs to confront public opinion on assisted dying

ACT Leader David Seymour is welcoming another poll that shows overwhelming public support for legalising assisted dying. The Horizon Poll commissioned by the End-of-Life Choice Society shows support at 75 per cent in favour, versus 11 per cent opposed.

"One of the most important results is that the poll shows stronger support amongst older New Zealanders," says Mr Seymour. "Opponents of assisted dying often try to paint the elderly as victims of assisted dying, they misunderstand that my bill is about choice, and older New Zealanders want choice."

The poll comes after similar results in 2015 from Reid Research (71-24) Colmar Brunton (75-20) and Curia (66-20).

"Some have speculated that strong support in 2015 was a response to the high profile Lecretia Seales case of that year. This poll shows that, if anything, public support has strengthened since then."

The break down in the poll shows that across gender, ethnicity, and political party affiliation, support for assisted dying is consistent.

"Members of Parliament who oppose assisted dying must explain how they can vote against the wishes of those who elect them and pay their salaries.

"The gracious response from opponents would be to accept that public opinion is overwhelmingly in favour of change. My hope is that they will accept this simple fact as part of a commitment to a reasoned debate on the issue," says Mr Seymour.

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