Nationwide Poll Shows 79% of People with Disabilities Believe Medical Aid In Dying Should Be Legal for Terminally Ill, Mentally Capable Adults

A recent poll shows seventy-nine percent of those who self-identify as having a disability agree with the statement that medical aid in dying (MAID) should be legal for terminally ill, mentally capable adults who chose to self-ingest medication to die peacefully. Additionally, the new data shows the majority of people with disabilities across the political spectrum, age, education, gender, ethnicity, and regional areas are in favor of MAID for terminally ill, mentally capable adults.

Additionally, state polls show a strong majority of voters living with disabilities support medical aid in dying.

  • 65 % of those polled in Connecticut

  • 74 % of those polled in Massachusetts

  • 63 % of those polled in New Jersey

  • 79% of those polled in Maryland

  • Support Across the Political Spectrum

    Of those who self-identified as being affiliated with a political party, 65 percent of Republicans, 79 percent of Democrats, and 83 percent of Independents supported MAID for terminally ill, mentally capable adults.

  • Support Across Racial Lines

    Additionally, the poll found that 82 percent of African Americans, 81 percent of Latinos, and 75 percent of whites were in support of MAID for terminally ill, mentally capable adults.

The nationwide poll was conducted by Susquehanna Polling and Research, Inc., during February 19-26, 2023, and had 1004 respondents. Those polled were asked to self-identify if they or anyone in their household currently meet the criteria or identify as living with a disability. The poll referred to a person with a disability as an individual who has a physical or mental impairment that limits a major life activity and/or interaction with the world around them. This includes physical, sensory, cognitive, and intellectual impairment, mental illness, and various types of chronic disease. In total, about ten percent of respondents (112) identified as living with a disability, and an additional ten percent (110) identified as living in a household with an individual that identifies as living with a disability. The margin of error for a sample size of 1,004 is +/-3.2% at the 95% confidence level.