WASHINGTON (BP)–Evangelical Christians stand strongly opposed to physician-assisted suicide in contrast to an American public that is closely divided over the issue, according to a new survey.
Evangelicals oppose the legalization of assisted suicide by a 2-1 margin in a poll conducted for ABC News and Beliefnet, an inter-religious Internet site.
In general, however, 48 percent of Americans oppose assisted suicide’s legalization, while 40 percent favor it, according to the poll. When Oregon’s law permitting the practice is described, the difference declines: 48 percent oppose its legalization, but 46 percent favor it.
Oregon is the only state to legalize assisted suicide, but its ability to continue the practice is being fought in federal court.
Non-Christians and people with no religious profession overwhelmingly support assisted suicide, according to the ABC News/Beliefnet poll, which was announced March 19. The strongest opposition to its legalization comes from Catholics, Christian women and evangelicals. Catholics and Christian women, however, express slightly more support for assisted suicide under Oregon’s law, but evangelical support does not increase, according to the survey.
Those described as non-evangelical Christians fluctuate in their opinions. They oppose assisted suicide in general by 15 percent but support the Oregon law by 14 percent, according to the results.
Among those identifying themselves as Christians in the poll, only 45 percent described themselves as born-again or evangelical, according to ABC News.
Assisted suicide became legal in Oregon in 1997 when the state’s voters reaffirmed an earlier approved initiative that had been blocked in the courts. Last year, 21 people died by assisted suicide, according to a report by the state.
U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft acted in November to penalize those who assist in suicides. His action reversed a ruling by his predecessor, Janet Reno that allowed the use of federally regulated drugs in states where assisted suicide is legal. A federal judge, however, has placed a restraining order on Ashcroft’s directive.
If it goes into effect, Ashcroft’s ruling would not overturn Oregon law, but it would mean physicians who prescribe or pharmacists who distribute federally controlled substances to aid in suicide may have their licenses to prescribe and dispense such drugs rescinded.
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