Euthanasia is a quite controversial medical practice around the world that tends to inspire passionate viewpoints and heated conversations. Very rarely do people lack an opinion or intense feelings about assisted suicide.

Some people believe ending one's own life, even in the face of a painful terminal illness, is wrong no matter the circumstances. Though others argue that the decision to embrace or reject euthanasia should remain between each person and their doctor.

The laws on euthanasia vary across different nations and are constantly evolving. In some countries, including Columbia, Spain, and Australia, it remains legal. Yet, here in the United States, a recent poll reveals most people believe in legalizing assisted suicide.

Analyzing the latest information from Gallup

The poll shows 71% of Americans favor giving doctors the OK to end the life of a patient suffering from an incurable medical condition. However, there are caveats to this. This support for euthanasia is conditional upon the patient seeking out this form of care and the care being administered in a painless manner.

66% of people likewise feel that doctors should be able to guide patients through the process of assisted suicide. Yet when it comes to the perceived morality surrounding euthanasia, a nearly even split exists. 40% believe this is not a moral practice, while 53% believe it is moral for doctors to assist patients with assisted suicide.

Across the board, religious individuals are more likely than their non-religious counterparts to oppose euthanasia and/or see the practice as morally reprehensible. Across the political and socioeconomic spectrums, Republicans and people without college degrees also have a higher chance of opposing assisted suicide than Democrats and individuals with college degrees.

Tracking the rise of support for assisted suicide

Over the years, support for euthanasia has gradually increased among the general public. Back in 1950, just 37% of the country favored the legalization of this practice. 23 years later, that number grew to 53%. Then, in 2014, 65% of Americans expressed support for doctors assisting their terminal patients with suicide.

Some forms of media, such as the Canadian medical drama Mary Kills People, have explored euthanasia, its ethics, and the various opinions surrounding it.