Why do older people oppose physician-assisted dying? A qualitative study

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Bioethics
• Sociology

Background:

• Physician-assisted dying (PAD) is a debated end-of-life issue, legal in some regions but controversial and illegal in New Zealand.
• Public discussion surrounding PAD necessitates understanding diverse perspectives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the reasons healthy older adults in New Zealand oppose physician-assisted dying.
• To provide insights for the ongoing debate on end-of-life choices.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study involving recorded interviews with 11 participants over 65 years old.
• Interviews were transcribed and analyzed, with participants reviewing edits.
• Participants were recruited via Grey Power magazines and a University of Auckland email list.

Main Results:

• Four primary themes emerged opposing physician-assisted dying: personal health care experiences, religious beliefs, "slippery slope" concerns, and potential for abuse.
• Personal experiences with dying and death significantly influenced participants' views.
• Witnessing positive end-of-life care experiences led some to view PAD as unnecessary, while negative experiences fueled fears of abuse.

Conclusions:

• Past experiences with dying and death are crucial in shaping older individuals' perspectives on physician-assisted dying.
• Concerns about potential abuse of PAD were prominent among those with negative end-of-life care experiences.
• Understanding these influences is vital for informed public and policy discussions on end-of-life care.