Assistance in dying for older people without a serious medical condition who have a wish to die: a national cross-sectional survey

Journal of Medical Ethics
Natasja J H RaijmakersJudith A C Rietjens

Abstract

The Dutch euthanasia law regulates physician assistance in dying for patients who are suffering unbearably from a medical condition. We studied the attitudes of the Dutch population to assistance in dying for older persons who have a wish to die without the presence of a serious medical condition. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among a random sample of the Dutch public (response rate 78%, n=1960), using statements and vignettes about attitudes to assistance in dying for older persons who are tired of living. A minority of 26% agreed with a vignette in which a physician warrants the request for physician-assisted suicide of an older person who is tired of living without having a serious medical condition. Furthermore, 21% agreed with the statement 'In my opinion euthanasia should be allowed for persons who are tired of living without having a serious disease'. People supporting euthanasia for older persons who are tired of living were more likely than opponents to be highly educated (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.1 to 2.3), to be non-religious (OR 1.7; 95% CI 1.3 to 2.3), to have little trust in physicians (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.2 to 2.2), and to prefer to make their own healthcare decisions (OR 1.7; 95% CI 1.3 to 2.3). Although it is low...Continue Reading

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Citations

Jan 20, 2016·BMJ Open·Els van WijngaardenAnne Goossensen
Nov 23, 2018·Journal of Medical Ethics·Lynn A JansenFranklin G Miller
Mar 1, 2020·Journal of the American Geriatrics Society·Anne-Véronique DürstRalf J Jox
Jun 24, 2020·Age and Ageing·Nele Van Den Noortgate, Liesbeth Van Humbeeck
May 16, 2019·Death Studies·Ellen R WiebeAlysia Wright

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