Uncertainty and Opposition of Medical Students Toward Assisted Death Practices

Explores medical students’ views of assisted death practices in hypothetical patients with different degrees & types of physical & mental suffering. Students were asked about the acceptability of assisted death activities in 5 patient vignettes, & withdrawl of life support in a 6th. Students expressed opposition or uncertainty about assisted death practices in the 5 patient cases illustrating severe suffering secondary to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, treatment-resistant depressive & somatoform disorders, antisocial & sexually violent behaviour, or AIDS. Students supported withdrawl of life support in the 6th case, depicting futility secondary to AIDS. (59 refs)