Legalisation of euthanasia or physician-assisted suicide: survey of doctors’ attitudes

This study reports UK doctors’ opinions about legalisation of medically assisted dying (euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide), comparing this with the UK general public. A postal survey of 3733 UK medical practitioners was done. The majority of UK doctors are opposed to legalisation, contrastin...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Palliative medicine 2009-04, Vol.23 (3), p.205-212
Main Author: Seale, C
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Assisted suicide
Attitude of Health Personnel
Attitudes
Dentistry
Doctors
Euthanasia
Euthanasia - legislation & jurisprudence
Family physicians
Female
Health Care Surveys
Health sciences
Humans
Legalization
Legislation
Legislation, Medical
Male
Medical profession
Medicine
Palliative care
Polls & surveys
Public Opinion
Religion
Right to die
Right to Die - legislation & jurisprudence
Suicide, Assisted - legislation & jurisprudence
Surveys and Questionnaires
Terminal Care
United Kingdom
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Summary:This study reports UK doctors’ opinions about legalisation of medically assisted dying (euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide), comparing this with the UK general public. A postal survey of 3733 UK medical practitioners was done. The majority of UK doctors are opposed to legalisation, contrasting with the UK general public. Palliative medicine specialists are particularly opposed. A strong religious belief is independently associated with opposition to assisted dying. Frequency of treating patients who die is not independently associated with attitudes. Many doctors supporting legalisation also express reservations and advocate safeguards; many doctors opposing legalisation believe and accept that treatment and nontreatment decisions may shorten life. It is hoped that future debates about legalisation can proceed with this evidence in mind.
ISSN:0269-2163
1477-030X
DOI:10.1177/0269216308102041