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Mexico Deeply Divided on Social Issues

July 5, 2005
(Angus Reid Global Scan) – Many Mexican adults believe euthanasia should be allowed, according to a poll by Consulta Mitofsky. 57.6 per cent of respondents agree with a proposal to legalize "assisted dying."
In May, members of the opposition Democratic Revolution Party (PRD) in the Chamber of Deputies presented a proposal which seeks to decriminalize euthanasia. In Mexico, assisting a person to commit suicide is a crime punishable by up to 12 years in prison.


Cardinal Norberto Rivera Carrera decried the proposal, saying, "Euthanasia means killing a person." Catholics make up close to 90 per cent of the Latin American country’s population.


In Mexico, abortion is allowed only in cases of rape or when the mother’s life is at risk. 47.9 per cent of respondents would allow women to decide freely on the topic, while 51 per cent disagree.


Support is decidedly lower for proposals to permit same-sex marriage and legalize the consumption of marijuana. 60.5 per cent of respondents disagree with granting wedlock to gay and lesbian partners, and 71.8 per cent reject enacting laws that would allow any person to use cannabis.


Polling Data

Some members of the Chamber of Deputies have presented a proposal to legalize "assisted dying" or euthanasia in our country. The possibility would be contemplated for terminally-ill patients with the consent of their families. Would you agree or disagree with the legalization of "assisted dying" or euthanasia in Mexico?


Agree 57.6%
Disagree 40.4%
Not sure 2.0%




In Mexico, abortion is allowed only in cases of rape or when the mother’s life is at risk. Several groups have proposed allowing women to decide freely on the issue. Would you agree or disagree with the legalization of abortion in Mexico?

Agree 47.9%
Disagree 51.0%
Not sure 1.1%




Groups representing homosexuals and lesbians have demanded the right to get married, which would allow them to have the same rights (such as inheritance and insurance) of any heterosexual couple. Would you agree or disagree with the legalization of same-sex marriage in Mexico?

Agree 37.2%
Disagree 60.5%
Not sure 2.3%



In recent weeks, there has been much discussion about enacting laws that would allow the legalization of specific drugs, such as marijuana. Would you agree or disagree with decriminalizing marijuana and other drugs?

Agree 26.4%
Disagree 71.8%
Not sure 1.8%


Source: Consulta Mitofsky
Methodology: Telephone interviews to 500 Mexican adults, conducted on May 14, 2005. Margin of error is 4 per cent.