Polls differ on assisted suicide

The League of United Latin American Citizens is circulating a poll by Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin & Associates about an assisted-suicide measure making its way through the California Legislature. The poll wound up here (LULAC didn't send it to me), and it shows Latinos have big problems with the bill.

The legislation has been endorsed by Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez, who is Catholic, leading to bitter condemnation from Cardinal Roger Mahony.

Not surprisingly, the heavily Catholic Latino community is overwhelmingly opposed to assisted suicide, the poll found. Almost two thirds - 64% - of California Latinos said they disapproved of doctor-assisted suicide. Only 29% said they approved. About half of the Latino voters surveyed "strongly" disapproved of the practice, while only 12% "strongly approved."

However, a Field Poll last year found almost exactly the opposite result: 65% of Latinos in favor of assisted suicide, with 31% opposed. Among all California adults, 70% said they supported a change in the law. Previous statewide Field polls have shown majority support from Latinos for assisted suicide as well. Another recent poll by David Binder conducted for supporters found 54% support from Latinos, and 31% opposed.

In the Fairbank poll, Latinos found arguments against doctor-assisted suicide much more persuasive than messages in favor of the practice, the poll showed. The survey-takers went through several arguments surrounding the controversial debate. At the very least, this gives a good idea of how the opposition will fight the legislation. The polling firm said:

"Specifically, Latinos are strongly influenced by the argument that the most basic law is 'thou shall not kill,' and it is morally wrong to legally sanction a form of murder. Latinos also regard improvements in end-of-life care, such as advancements in pain and anti-depression medications, as a valid reason to oppose doctors assisted suicide. Further, the survey results indicate that Latinos are concerned that legalizing doctor-assisted suicide could lead to insurance companies denying life-sustaining treatment to a patient diagnosed with a terminal illness." [Emphasis added.]

The sample for the Fairbank poll was 325 adult Latinos. The margin of error was plus or minus 5.4%. The legislation, co-authored by Assemblyman Lloyd Levine (pictured with Nunez), is awaiting a vote in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

(Photos: Rich Pedroncelli/AP)