Survey reveals public’s fears about Assisted Dying Bill

published on 28 Apr 2025

New figures show that more than half (1) of people across the UK think that some vulnerable adults could feel pressure to end their life early under assisted dying. This view is shared by a majority (2) of those who currently support the bill in principle.

Although The Salvation Army’s survey found that the public generally supported (78%) the idea of assisted dying, the majority do not support loopholes in the proposed bill that would allow vulnerable groups to apply to die.  

According to the survey:

  • 63% of adults think that assisted dying should not be allowed for those whose primary reason is that they feel like a burden on their families or the NHS.
  • 55% of adults think that assisted dying should not be allowed for adults who have suffered a mental illness that has affected their physical health, such as anorexia.    

The survey also uncovered concerns that legalising assisted dying would put many vulnerable people at greater risk of being pressured into applying to die. Specifically:

  • elderly people (63% of people say they are at a higher risk).
  • people with a disability (58%).
  • people with a mental health issues (56%).

The survey also showed strong support for rejected amendments that would have acted as safety measures. 88% thought that the drugs administered to assist death must be regulated for the specific purpose of dying and 78% thought a doctor should be in the room while drugs are administered and take effect.

Territorial Leader of The Salvation Army in the UK and Ireland Commissioner Paul Main said:  

“Everyone agrees that people should have relief and dignity in their final days but this survey shows that the public are concerned that the legislation will not provide that.  

“Even those who support the principle of assisted dying admit that particularly vulnerable groups like those who have a disability (55%) and who are elderly (60%) are at risk of pressure should the bill become law. Beneath widespread sympathy lies a deep unease about how such legislation could expose the most vulnerable to harm, coercion, or abandonment.

“Though this legislation stems from a sincere desire to alleviate suffering, we are urging MPs to vote against the Bill.  

“We are gravely concerned that the bill invertedly creates a two-tier system of death. It is terrifying to face terminal illness without palliative care but if you cannot access the support that can help alleviate suffering, you may feel you have no choice but to ask for an assisted suicide.”  

1. If assisted dying was legalised, how likely or unlikely do you think it is for the following to happen?
Significant numbers of people having assisted deaths primarily because they feel that they have become a burden to others TOTAL SUPPORT OPPOSE
Very likely 16 10 45
Fairly likely 40 40 38
TOTAL LIKELY 56 50 83
Fairly unlikely 23 28 6
Very unlikely 7 8 1
TOTAL UNLIKELY 30 36 7
Don’t know 15 14 10
2. If assisted dying was legalised, do you think each of the following groups would be at higher or lower risk than average of being pressured into applying for assisted dying?
Those with a disability TOTAL SUPPORT OPPOSE
Higher risk than average 58 55 80
About the same risk as average 28 33 1
Lower risk than average 2 3 1
Don’t know 11 10 8
The elderly
Higher risk than average 63 60 82
About the same risk as average 24 28 9
Lower risk than average 3 3 3
Don’t know 10 9 6
Those with mental health issues
Higher risk than average 56 53 80
About the same risk as average 27 31 10
Lower risk than average 3 4 3
Don’t know 13 12 7
Do you think assisted dying should or should not be allowed for...
Adults who have suffered a mental illness that has affected their physical health, such as anorexia TOTAL SUPPORT OPPOSE
Should be legal 19 22 9
Should not be legal 55 52 78
Don’t know 26 26 12
Adults whose primary reason is that they feel like a burden on their families or the NHS
Should be legal 17 21 7
Should not be legal 63 60 87
Don’t know 19 19 6

All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc.  Total sample size was 2,003 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 14th - 15th April 2025.  The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+). Figures from the research here.