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Black/white differences in attitudes toward physician-assisted suicide
R L Lichtenstein1, K H Alcser, A D Corning
1Department of Health Management and Policy, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109, USA.
Journal of the National Medical Association
|February 1, 1997
Summary
Majorities supported physician-assisted suicide, but Black residents showed less support than white residents. Religious commitment may explain these differing attitudes toward end-of-life options.
Area of Science:
- Medical Ethics
- Public Health Policy
- Sociology of Health
Background:
- Physician-assisted suicide (PAS) legality was debated in Michigan in 1994.
- Understanding public attitudes is crucial for policy decisions regarding end-of-life care.
- Detroit's largely Black population's views on PAS were not well-documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure attitudes toward physician-assisted suicide (PAS) in a predominantly Black population in Detroit.
- To compare attitudes between Black and white residents regarding PAS legalization.
- To explore factors influencing these attitudes, including religious commitment, cultural views, and trust in the medical system.
Main Methods:
- A survey was conducted among 500 Detroit residents in 1994.
- A questionnaire described a legalization plan (Plan A) with safeguards.
- Attitudes were assessed on PAS legalization, voluntary euthanasia, and personal requests for PAS.
Main Results:
- A majority of both Black and white respondents supported Plan A, but support was significantly lower among Black residents.
- Black respondents were less likely than white respondents to support voluntary euthanasia.
- Black respondents were less likely to envision requesting PAS for themselves.
Conclusions:
- While majorities supported PAS legalization, racial disparities in attitudes were observed.
- Religious commitment emerged as a significant factor potentially explaining Black-white differences in attitudes toward PAS.
- Cultural attitudes and trust in the medical system warrant further investigation as contributing factors.