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Sabriseilabi S. Sanctity of Life or God's Command? Investigating Religious Determinants of Attitudes Toward Three Cases of Unnatural Death: Capital Punishment, Abortion, and Euthanasia. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2023:302228231212658. [PMID: 37922504 DOI: 10.1177/00302228231212658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2023]
Abstract
Whether individuals may decide to end other people's or their own lives has always been a matter of ethical and social debate. The current research explores attitudes toward three cases of unnatural death: capital punishment, abortion, and euthanasia. One considerable factor that shapes individuals' attitudes toward human intervention in death is religion. This paper argues that religion causes significant changes in individuals' mindsets toward human intervention in the death process. Therefore, the present research examines how religion affects attitudes toward the death penalty, abortion, and euthanasia. This study proposes differentiating religion into four dimensions: religiosity, spirituality, afterlife beliefs, and religious affiliation. Using data from the 2018 wave of the General Social Survey (GSS), the present research found that religion's various dimensions have distinct effects on attitudes toward the death penalty, abortion, and euthanasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soheil Sabriseilabi
- Department of Anthropology, Sociology, and Criminology, Troy University, Troy, AL, USA
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Blain J, Stevens D, Taylor L, Kingston P, Watts G. Views about Euthanasia and Dementia: Exploring Perceptions Utilising Evidence from the Mass Observation Archive. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2552. [PMID: 37761749 PMCID: PMC10530628 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11182552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This paper contributes to the ongoing discussion in the United Kingdom regarding euthanasia and assisted dying, using data specifically related to individuals with dementia. A qualitative approach was taken with data captured via a set of written questions in the form of a Mass Observation Archive Directive. The respondents, known as Observers, provided written responses; there was no limit to the length of the responses and the Observers were able to provide as much or as little detail as they chose. The data were analysed thematically utilising NVivo software. One-hundred and seven responses were received, representing a range of beliefs, and with opinions regarding euthanasia and dementia with pro, anti, and uncertain views being expressed. Five main themes emerged during our data analysis: capacity, legislation, agency and personal philosophies, disquietude, and incumbrance. Consistent with previous research capturing public views regarding euthanasia and assisted dying for people with dementia, the findings suggest policy makers may wish to consult the British public regarding legislation regarding euthanasia and dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet Blain
- The Faculty of Health, Medicine and Society, University of Chester, Chester CH1 4BJ, UK
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Maher F, Mammas IN, Spandidos DA. Challenges and perspectives of palliative medicine: A webinar by the Paediatric Virology Study Group. MEDICINE INTERNATIONAL 2023; 3:24. [PMID: 37153162 PMCID: PMC10155253 DOI: 10.3892/mi.2023.84] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Palliative medicine focuses on the quality of life of patients with incurable conditions, who require the adequate relief of physical symptoms, adequate information to make decisions and spiritual wellbeing. Generalist palliative care is provided by family members, general practitioners, care home workers, community nurses and social care providers, as well as non-specialist hospital doctors and nurses. Patients with more complex, physical or psycho-social problems require the shared work of specialized doctors in palliative medicine, nurses, social workers and allied professionals. It is estimated that ~40 million patients require palliative care annually, worldwide; of these, 8 out of 10 patients reside in low- or middle-income countries, and only ~14% are able to access this type of care. Palliative medicine was recognised as a distinct medical specialty in the UK in 1987, with its own specialist curriculum and training pathway, which was recently revised in 2022. The main obstacles that palliative medicine had to overcome in order to be accepted as a separate specialization were the following: i) Defining a unique body of knowledge; ii) standardisation of training; and iii) proving that it warranted being a specialty in its own right. Over the past decade, it has been accepted as more than end-of-life care, supporting patients with an incurable illness at much earlier stages. Given the current absence of specialized palliative care in low- or middle-income countries, as well as the aging population across most European countries and the USA, it is estimated that there may be an increasing need and demand for specialists in palliative medicine in the ensuing years. This article is based on a webinar on palliative medicine, which was performed on October 20, 2022 in the context of the '8th Workshop of Paediatric Virology' organized by the Institute of Paediatric Virology based on the island of Euboea (Greece).
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Affiliation(s)
- Fergus Maher
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals, NHS Foundation Trust, NR4 7UY Norwich, UK
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, NR4 7TJ Norwich, UK
| | - Ioannis N. Mammas
- Paediatric Clinic, Aliveri, 34500 Island of Euboea, Greece
- First Department of Paediatrics, University of Athens School of Medicine, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Demetrios A. Spandidos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
- Correspondence to: Professor Demetrios A. Spandidos, Laboratory of Clinical Virology, Medical School, University of Crete, Voutes, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
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Montagna G, Junker C, Elfgen C, Schneeberger AR, Güth U. Long-term development of assisted suicide in Switzerland: analysis of a 20-year experience (1999-2018). Swiss Med Wkly 2023; 153:40010. [PMID: 36971666 DOI: 10.57187/smw.2023.40010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS OF THE STUDY The legalisation of assisted suicide is one of the most debated topics in the field of medical ethics worldwide. In countries in which assisted suicide is not legal, public discussions about its approval also encompass considerations of the long-term consequences that such legalisation would bring, for example, how many people will use this option, from what conditions would they be suffering, would there be differences between male and female assisted suicide and which developments and trends could be expected if there were to be a marked increase of cases of assisted suicide over time? METHODS In order to answer these questions, we present the development of assisted suicide in Switzerland over a 20-year period (1999-2018; 8738 cases) using data from the Swiss Federal Statistical Office. RESULTS During the observation period, the number of assisted suicides rose significantly: when four 5-year periods (1999-2003, 2004-2008, 2009-2013, 2014-2018) were analysed, the number of assisted suicide cases doubled over each period compared with the preceding one (Χ = 206.7, 270.4 and 897.4; p <0.001). The percentage of assisted suicides among all deaths rose from 0.2% (1999-2003; n = 582) to 1.5% (2014-2018: n = 4820). The majority of people who chose assisted suicide were elderly, with increasing age over time (median age in 1999-2003: 74.5 years vs 2014-2018: 80 years), and with a predominance of women (57.2% vs 42.8%). The most common underlying condition for assisted suicide was cancer (n = 3580, 41.0% of all assisted suicides). Over time, assisted suicide increased similarly for all underlying conditions; however, the proportion in each disease group remained unchanged. CONCLUSIONS It is a matter of one's viewpoint whether the rise of assisted suicide cases should be considered alarming or not. These figures reflect an interesting social development but still do not appear to represent a mass phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Montagna
- Breast Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, USA
- n>Breast Centre, University of Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Constanze Elfgen
- Breast Centre Zurich, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Witten/Herdecke, Witten, Germany
| | - Andres R Schneeberger
- Psychiatric Services Grisons, Chur, Switzerland
- Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Switzerland
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, USA
| | - Uwe Güth
- Breast Centre Zurich, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Switzerland
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Attitudes of university hospital staff towards in-house assisted suicide. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0274597. [PMID: 36301971 PMCID: PMC9612505 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate staff attitudes toward assisted suicide in the hospital setting in Switzerland. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Two University Hospitals in French speaking regions of Switzerland. Participants 13’834 health care professionals, including all personnel caring for patients, were invited to participate. Main outcome measures and other variables Attitudes towards the participation of hospital health care professionals in assisted suicide were investigated with an online questionnaire. Results Among all invited professionals, 5’127 responded by filling in the survey at least partially (response rate 37.0%), and 3’683 completed the entire survey (26.6%). 73.0% of participants approved that this practice should be authorized in their hospital and saw more positive than negative effects. 57.6% would consider assisted suicide for themselves. Non-medical professionals were 1.28 to 5.25 times more likely to approve assisted suicide than physicians (p<0.001). 70.7% of respondents indicated that each professional should have the choice of whether to assist in suicide. Conclusions This multiprofessional survey sheds light on hospital staff perceptions of assisted suicide happening within hospital walls, which may inform the development of rules considering their wishes but also their reluctances. Further research using a mixed-methods approach could help reach an in-depth understanding of staff’s attitudes and considerations towards assisted suicide practices.
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Schildmann J, Junghanss C, Oldenburg M, Schuler U, Trümper L, Wörmann B, Winkler E. Role and responsibility of oncologists in assisted suicide. Practice and views among members of the German Society of Haematology and Medical Oncology. ESMO Open 2021; 6:100329. [PMID: 34896697 PMCID: PMC8666647 DOI: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2021.100329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Physician-assisted suicide (PAS) is a controversial practice and regulatory frameworks differ regarding assigned physicians' roles. This study explores clinical experience and views of German oncologists concerning ethically and legally relevant aspects of PAS after change of the law. Materials and methods An online survey was conducted among members of the German Society of Haematology and Medical Oncology (DGHO) in March 2021. Descriptive analysis, bivariate and multivariable logistic regression of quantitative data on determinants related to (un)willingness to assist with suicide as well qualitative analysis of free-text comments were carried out. Results Seven hundred and forty-five of 3588 DGHO members responded (20.8%). Of these, 29.9% reported requests for a lethal drug and 3.0% (n = 22) reported to have assisted with suicide. Almost half of them (47.0%, n = 350) objected to providing PAS, whereas 45.9% indicated a willingness at least under certain conditions. Of those respondents who did not object to PAS, 25.4% would also consider assistance if those willing to die had a psychiatric disease and 10.2% if requestors had no disease at all. A majority viewed a role for physicians regarding different tasks associated with assisted suicide. Respondents with <10 years of professional experience, working in hospital with religious affiliation and with subspecialisation in palliative care were significantly less frequently willing to assist suicide. Conclusions Respondents are divided in their personal attitudes towards PAS but a majority supports involvement of physicians regarding different tasks related to assisted suicide. Data about the practice and envisaged professional role may inform development of an acceptable ethico-legal framework for a controversial practice. In Germany, as in other countries, assisted suicide has become lawful more recently. To be able to develop guidance on the highly controversial subject, empirical data on practice and related aspects are needed. 30% of responding oncologists report requests for lethal drugs by their patients and 3% have assisted with suicide. Compared with 2015, significantly more oncologists report requests for lethal drugs and willingness to assist with suicide. Palliative care qualification and less professional experience were negatively associated with willingness to assist suicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Schildmann
- Institute for History and Ethics of Medicine, Interdisciplinary Center for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany.
| | - C Junghanss
- Division of Medicine, Department of Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Medicine, University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - M Oldenburg
- German Society of Haematology and Medical Oncology (DGHO), Berlin, Germany
| | - U Schuler
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital and Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - L Trümper
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, University Medicine Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - B Wörmann
- German Society of Haematology and Medical Oncology (DGHO), Berlin, Germany; Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology/Oncology and Tumor Immunology, Charité University Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - E Winkler
- National Center for Tumor Diseases, Section for Translational Medical Ethics, Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
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Mukhopadhyay S, Banerjee D. Physician assisted suicide in dementia: A critical review of global evidence and considerations from India. Asian J Psychiatr 2021; 64:102802. [PMID: 34388669 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2021.102802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dementias are a group of gradually progressing neurodegenerative conditions, leading to significant impairment in cognition, functioning, decision-making, capacity and autonomy. With the rise of human rights and patient-centred perspectives in psychogeriatric management, physician-assisted suicide (PAS) has emerged as an important and integral part of end-of-life care in advanced dementias. METHODS With only few original studies in the area, this paper takes a narrative and critical approach to review the global legislations, treatment decisions, debates as well as perspectives from patients, families and medical professionals. RESULTS PAS and euthanasia are legally allowed in countries like Belgium, Netherlands, Switzerland and few states of the United States (U.S.). Germany has fewer clearer legislations in this regard. The Oregon state requirement and care criteria of the Dutch euthanasia act form the basis of most such laws. Even in the presence of these provisions, PAS is fraught with multiple medical, ethical, moral and legal dilemmas and physicians as well as caregivers are quite heterogenous in their outlook. While right to live with dignity and need to end incurable suffering form the main arguments for PAS, several arguments against it are possibility of undue influence, impaired judgement leading to biased decision-making such as depression and suicidality, inappropriate assessment of capacity, and that all deaths are not necessarily painful. These dilemmas are critically discussed in light of autonomy, decision-making and advanced directives in people living with dementia as well as the rationality of ending life and 'right to live vs right to die'. Based on the findings, certain balanced strategies are highlighted for the health professionals. CONCLUSION The 'slippery slope' of PAS needs to be carefully evaluated from a social justice and human rights perspective to improve dignified end-of-life care in dementia. Considerations are also discussed from India, a rapidly-ageing nation with no current provisions for PAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanchari Mukhopadhyay
- Geriatric Unit and Clinical Services, Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Near Dairy Circle, Hosur Road, Bangalore 560029, India
| | - Debanjan Banerjee
- Geriatric Unit and Clinical Services, Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Near Dairy Circle, Hosur Road, Bangalore 560029, India.
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Clayton BV, Nabhani-Gebara S. When is it acceptable to allow a terminal patient to die? Pharmacy students' views from a London University. J Oncol Pharm Pract 2020; 27:521-530. [PMID: 32393103 DOI: 10.1177/1078155220921546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Accompanied suicide is a controversial topic with varying practice across Europe; therefore, there is very little guidance on how healthcare professionals should be educated on accompanied suicide. This study implemented an anonymous, cross-sectional online survey to discover the perceptions of final-year MPharm students on accompanied suicide and the factors affecting one's views, with the aim of investigating the knowledge, awareness and opinions of pharmacy students regarding accompanied suicide, as well as education to pharmacy students. Surveys were disseminated to final-year pharmacy students at Kingston University between January and March 2019. The survey comprised of three sections: Section A consisting of definitions - to determine knowledge of pharmacy students. Section B including case studies - to understand the opinions of pharmacy students and identify influential patient factors. Section C involving demographics - to discover the influential participant factors. An ethics application was submitted and approved prior to conducting this study. The data yielded a total of 111 responses out of a possible 139 (80% response rate); 77.5% participants were unable to correctly define each term given, with many also agreeing their lack of knowledge affected their views. Overall, most pharmacy students disagreed with accompanied suicide, regardless of the patient factors. Additionally, religious participants were more likely to disagree with the patient request (p < 0.03). Three recommendations were concluded to improve the education of pharmacy students: (1) an approved medical organisation to specifically define terminology, (2) include accompanied suicide in the pharmacy syllabus and (3) include lesser known terminal illnesses on the pharmacy syllabus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth V Clayton
- Pharmacy Department, Kingston University, Kingston-Upon Thames, UK.,Pharmacy Department, Sunderland Royal Hospital, Sunderland, UK
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Trimble M. A Rend in the Fabric of Medicine. THE ULSTER MEDICAL JOURNAL 2019; 88:81-82. [PMID: 31061549 PMCID: PMC6500413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Nicol E. Enabling systems to support high quality end-of-life care. Future Healthc J 2018; 5:1. [PMID: 31098520 PMCID: PMC6510039 DOI: 10.7861/futurehosp.5-1-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Warburton KG, Choudry M. End-of-life care: out of darkness, a new light. Future Healthc J 2018; 5:4. [PMID: 31098521 PMCID: PMC6510037 DOI: 10.7861/futurehosp.5-1-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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