There is strong support among the public for a change in the law to allow doctors to help terminally ill people end their lives, according to a poll.
The Populus survey for The Times found three-quarters (74%) of people want the medical profession to be able to supervise assisted suicides, with support said to be particularly strong among those aged 55 to 64.
The results of the poll come as the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) dropped its five-year opposition to the issue after a consultation with its members.
According to the survey, six out of 10 people want friends and relatives to be able to help their dying loved ones to commit suicide without fear of prosecution.
It also found only 13% of people support a blanket right to assisted suicide regardless of the individual's health, and 85% said it should be legal only "in specific circumstances".
Almost half (49%) of the RCN's members who responded to the organisation's consultation said they support assisted suicide, while two out of five (40%) said they are against it.
The RCN had a formal position to oppose assisted suicide since 2004 but on Friday changed that to a neutral stance.
It now plans to issue detailed guidance to nurses on the issue, after the consultation also revealed a need for information.
Sandra James, chairwoman of the RCN Council which made the decision, said: "Assisted suicide is a high profile and emotive issue and it is right that we consulted thoroughly with members before coming to our decision.
"Council had a long and careful deliberation of the range of options available. In reaching our decision, we considered individual members' opinions as well as the views from RCN branches and forums, and non-RCN affiliated bodies."
