Physician-Assisted Suicide in Connecticut: Physicians’ Attitudes and Experiences

This study examined aspects of physician attitudes toward physician-assisted suicide: evaluation of risks related to this practice, particularly the presence of depression, & the influence of religious and professionally-based values. Anonymous, self-administered questionnaires were mailed to a targeted sample of Connecticut physicians. Religious affiliation, religiosity, ethnicity, & medical speciality were strongly associated with views on physician-assisted suicide. Most respondents expressed concern regarding certain risks associated with physician-assisted suicide including movement toward involuntary euthanasia & the influence of undetected depression. Findings raise practical issues which need to be addressed through statutory or professional safeguards if physician-assisted suicide is legalized. (25 refs.)