Australians support voluntary assisted dying, but with clear limits

New research from Edith Cowan University (ECU) has found that Australians broadly support voluntary assisted dying (VAD) as an end-of-life choice, but most believe access should remain limited to people experiencing terminal illness or a significantly reduced quality of life.

The research surveyed 704 Australian adults and is believed to be the first large-scale study investigating public attitudes toward VAD. Researchers investigated what people think about VAD regardless of age or health status—that is, beyond the endorsed eligibility criteria—and whether views differ depending on factors such as background, personal experiences and life stage.

Associate Professor Eyal Gringart said the research began in 2021 as interest in VAD grew and legislation was introduced across Australia.

“The project was inspired by conversations about end-of-life choices occurring across the country at a time when VAD legislation was progressing through different states and territories,” Gringart said. “Our earlier qualitative research explored older adults’ views of VAD. This study built on that work by developing a survey that examined attitudes across the broader Australian community.”

The study, now published in OMEGA—Journal of Death and Dying, found that many Australians viewed VAD as a fundamental human right and wanted the option to be available should their quality of life deteriorate significantly. However, support was conditional. Participants generally supported current eligibility criteria and opposed extending access to people on the grounds of mental illness or to those who wished to end their lives regardless of their health status.

The research also found that Australians would like more conversations about end-of-life choices and place a high value on dignity and personal choice when considering care at the end of life.

“People told us they want more discussion about end-of-life options,” Gringart said. “Many saw VAD as a form of reassurance, knowing the option would be available if they were facing an incurable illness or severe decline in their quality of life. At the same time, they were thoughtful and cautious about who should be eligible.”

The study identified religious affiliation as the strongest factor associated with lower levels of support for VAD, while women and people with previous experience of euthanasia or VAD were generally more supportive.

One finding that surprised the researchers was that respondents with higher levels of education were somewhat less permissive toward VAD than previous studies had suggested.

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Lisa Lock

BA art history, MA material culture. Former museum editor, paramedic, and transplant coordinator. Editing for Science X since 2021.

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Andrew Zinin

Master’s in physics with research experience. Long-time science news enthusiast. Plays key role in Science X’s editorial success.

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