Who's not afraid of Proposal B? An analysis of exit-poll data from Michigan's vote on physician-assisted suicide.
In November 1998, Michigan voters rejected Proposal B, a citizen initiative that would have legalized physician-assisted suicide (PAS). Although polls had long indicated overwhelming support for PAS, support for Proposal B declined before the election. We analyzed exit-poll data to characterize opponents, supporters, and cross-over voters. We then compared our results with those from earlier research that examined attitudinal and socio-demographic influences. We found that many presumptive PAS supporters did not vote for Proposal B. These data may call into question prospects for similar initiatives.
Ziegler
Stephen J
SJ
School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University - Purdue University, Neff Hall 260E, 2101 East Coliseum Boulevard, Fort Wayne, IN 46805-1499, USA. zieglers@ipfw.edu.
Jackson
Robert A
RA
D003625:Data Collection; D006801:Humans; D007883:Legislation, Medical; D008824:Michigan; D010819:Physician's Role; D011057:Politics; D011639:Public Opinion; D017236:Suicide, Assisted / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*