Just over seven in 10 people think the Netherlands should bring in legislation to make it possible to help the frail elderly who feel they have reached the end of their natural lives to die, according to new research for the voluntary euthanasia society NVVL.

In 2017, when the survey was first carried out, 64% of the Dutch called for change. Almost 1,400 people took part in the current research.

Among people with direct experience of an elderly friend or relative who wished to die, support for legislation is 80%. Some 40% of respondents said they knew someone who felt this way, compared with 34% in 2017.

Under current legislation, euthanasia is only possible on medical grounds and if someone is suffering unbearably with no prospect of improvement.

The survey shows again that it is high time politicians took this on board, said NVVE chairwoman Fransien van ter Beek. “People want control over their own lives and not to suffer unnecessarily.”

Earlier this year a number of pensioners faced legal action for helping others to end their lives using a powder known as “substance x”.

Two members of the right to die group Coöperatie Laatste Wil were found guilty of supplying substance X and information about how to use it. Both were given suspended jail terms. Four other suspects were acquitted.

Then in October a retired psychologist was found guilty of supplying an anti-nausea drug which is used in conjunction with substance X.

Research by the GGD Amsterdam and the Suicide Prevention Foundation has found that since 2015, at least 172 people in the Netherlands have died after using substance X. Their average age was 59 years old.

While selling the powder is not an offence in itself, under Dutch law, it is illegal to help someone die.

Anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts can chat with someone anonymously online at www.113.nl or call the free number 0800-0113.