Social consequences of assisted dying: a case study

Area of Science:

• Sociology
• Bioethics
• Public Health

Background:

• The End of Life Choice Act in New Zealand was subject to a public referendum in September 2020.
• Consideration of societal consequences beyond individual suffering is crucial for assisted dying legislation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore potential consequences of assisted dying legislation on families, communities, and society.
• To investigate the social implications of assisted dying in the context of New Zealand's cultural landscape.

Main Methods:

• A single semi-structured, in-depth interview was conducted using the Yin case study approach.
• Thematic analysis was applied to identify key themes from the interview transcript of a participant with first-hand experience of assisted dying.

Main Results:

• Emerging themes include assisted dying becoming an expectation for the unwell, stigma associated with individuals and families, and a potential contagion effect.
• The introduction of assisted dying legislation may create social discord within families and communities.

Conclusions:

• Assisted dying legislation in New Zealand could lead to significant social discord, complicated by prejudice and stigma.
• Further research is essential to examine the potential contagion effect and societal negotiation of assisted dying.