Do Hawaii residents support physician-assisted death? A comparison of five ethnic groups

Surveyed were 250 adults in five ethnic groups--Caucasian, Chinese, Filipino, Hawaiian, and Japanese--on questions about physician-assisted death. When asked if there were any conditions under which physician-assisted death should be allowed, 52% said yes, 19% said perhaps, and 29% said no. Differences in response were seen, however, by ethnicity (with less support among Filipinos and Hawaiians), by religious affiliation (with less support among Catholics), and by educational attainment (with greater support among college graduates). Given the controversial nature of this topic, more public education and debate are needed. Meanwhile, physicians are urged to expand discussions with patients on their expectations about and options for end-of-life care.