Zogby Poll

Lifenews reported on 1 Apr. 05: "Polls leading up to the death of Terri Schiavo made it appear Americans had formed a consensus in favour of ending her life. However, a new Zogby poll with fairer questions shows the nation clearly supporting Terri and her parents and wanting to protect the lives of other disabled patients.

"The Zogby poll found that, if a person becomes incapacitated and has not expressed their preference for medical treatment, as in Terri's case, 43 per cent say "the law presumes that the person wants to live, even if the person is receiving food and water through a tube," while just 30 percent disagree.

"Another Zogby question hits directly on Terri's circumstances:

"If a disabled person is not terminally ill, is not in a coma, and not being kept alive on life support, and they have no written directive, should or should they not be denied food and water," the poll asked.

"A whopping 79 per cent said the patients should not have food and water taken away, while just 9 per cent said yes."

However on 20 June 05 the American Medical Association adopted a resolution opposing any legislation that would make sure disabled and incapacitated patients are not refused life-saving medical care.