Physicians’ Voices on Physician-Assisted Suicide: Looking Beyond the Numbers

This study reports qualitative data provided by 909 Connecticut physicians as part of a larger survey regarding attitudes toward & experiences with physician-assisted suicide & palliative care. Emergent themes illustrate important clinical, social, & ethical considerations in this area. The data illustrate the diverse & ardent responses that physician-assisted suicide evokes among certain physicians. The role of physicians’ personal values is central to discussions about the legalization of physician-assisted suicide. Polarized views such as those expressed in this study are not likely to be reconciled, thereby constraining the development of public policy regarding physician-assisted suicide. (63 refs.)