Physician-assisted suicide in Connecticut: physicians' attitudes and experiences.

OBJECTIVE

This study examined aspects of physician attitudes toward physician-assisted suicide (PAS) not fully examined to date: evaluation of risks related to PAS, particularly the presence of depression, and the influence of religious and professionally-based values.

DESIGN

Anonymous, self-administered mailed questionnaire using Dillman methodology.

PARTICIPANTS

Targeted sample of physicians licensed by the Connecticut Department of Public Health in 1997 (n = 2,805 completed surveys; 40% response rate). DATA INCLUDE: Physician and patient characteristics, attitudes toward physician assisted suicide, and confidence in treating depression.

RESULTS

Religious affiliation, religiosity, ethnicity and medical specialty were strongly associated with views on PAS. Seven percent of respondents had been asked to write a lethal prescription during the past year, 15% of whom (n = 24) had complied with at least one request.

CONCLUSIONS

Most respondents expressed concern regarding certain risks associated with PAS, including movement toward involuntary euthanasia and the influence of undetected depression. Findings raise practical issues to be addressed through statutory or professional safeguards if PAS were to be legalized.