Should Disagreement About Physician-Assisted Suicide Discourage Professional Societies From Engagin in Public Debate? A Survey of 677 Connecticut Internists

This study examined whether physicians within an American state-level professional association who disagree about the ethics of physician-assisted suicide also disagree about organized professional engagement in public discussions regarding physician-assisted suicide. 84% of the 677 survey respondents indicated support for physician participation regardless of attitude toward physician-assisted suicide. 28% favored physician-assisted suicide, while 53% opposed it. (30 refs) (SC)