by Sarah Mroz, Sigrid Dierickx, Kenneth Chambaere et al. This research studies in eight jurisdictions physicians\u2019 personal preferences for end-of-life practices, including life-sustaining and life-shortening practices, and the factors that influence preferences. It concludes that physicians largely prefer to intensify alleviation of symptoms at the end of life and avoid life-sustaining techniques. In a scenario of advanced cancer or Alzheimer\u2019s disease, over half of physicians prefer assisted dying. Physicians practising in a jurisdiction with a legal option for both euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide were more likely to consider euthanasia as a (very) good option for both cancer and Alzheimer\u2019s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n by Diane Marie, Larry E. Miller, Samir K. Bhattacharyya, et al. The requirement for self-administration in US MAiD statutes creates a predictable and preventable barrier for patients with ALS. While some jurisdictions have improved procedural access, most laws remain misaligned with the realities of progressive neuromuscular disease. International legislative reforms demonstrate that it is possible to uphold safeguards without excluding patients based on physical ability. Addressing this issue is not about expanding MAiD access broadly, but about eliminating a narrow structural exclusion that uniquely burdens patients who meet every other legal and ethical criterion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n by Paul Magennis and Kim Carlson This research<\/a> looked into the \u201clonely Canadian choosing to die\u201d narrative. It found that isolation and loneliness in MAiD cases are almost always the result of severe illness and functional loss \u2013 not the cause of the request. Headlines which claimed that hundreds of Canadians chose MAiD simply because they were lonely erase the complexity of MAiD and distorts public understanding of who chooses it and why.<\/p>\n\n\n\n by Sarah Mroz, Sigrid Dierickx, Kenneth Chambaere, et al A cross-sectional survey<\/a> to study physicians\u2019 personal preferences for end-of-life practices, including life-sustaining and life-shortening practices, and the factors that influence preferences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Physicians largely prefer to intensify alleviation of symptoms at the end of life and avoid life-sustaining techniques. In a scenario of advanced cancer or Alzheimer\u2019s disease, over half of physicians prefer assisted dying. Considerable preference variation exists across jurisdictions, and preferences for assisted dying seem to be impacted by the legalisation of assisted dying within jurisdictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n by Luc Deliens, PhD A lack of empirical evidence for the slippery slope argument demonstrated by the report of Wels and Hamarat confirms extended evidence from Belgian euthanasia practice published in the New England Journal of Medicine, Lancet, JAMA, and BMJ, among others, by the End-of-Life Care Research Group. These studies have never shown that vulnerable people would have easier access to assisted dying in Belgium. These studies have also demonstrated that the highest request rates for euthanasia are found among people with a higher educational degree and not by those with lower educational attainment or with a low socioeconomic status. Furthermore, research evidence from Belgium does not support the repeatedly expressed concern that older people, disabled people, or people with psychiatric disorders would be under pressure to access euthanasia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n by Benedikt Bachmetjev, Artur Airapetian, Marija Jakubauskien, Rolandas Zablockis and Asta \u010cekanauskait\u0117 The topic of end-of-life decisions is important due to aging populations and the rising number of terminal illnesses like cancer. As more people experience suffering, the ethical, medical, and legal debates of these decisions become significant to healthcare policy. The study result shows that Lithuanian physicians\u2019 attitudes toward euthanasia, physician-assisted suicide and other end-of-life decisions are strongly influenced by ethical, religious, and professional considerations. 61.2% of physicians supported assisted suicide for terminally ill patients, while only 19.1% supported it for patients with drug-resistant mental illness. Similarly, 61.5% supported euthanasia for terminal illness. Additionally, 92.2% of respondents supported DNR orders with patient consent, though this dropped to 63.1% without patient consent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n by Anna M. Elsner, Charlotte E. Frank, Marc Keller, Jordan O. McCullough, Vanessa Rampton This essay<\/a> examines the impact of linguistic choices on the perception and regulation of assisted dying, particularly in Canada. By tracing the evolution of terms such as \u201cmedical assistance in dying\u201d and others, and what they reveal about different cultural and legal approaches, this essay sheds light on the politics of language in end-of-life discourses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Study<\/a> by Jessica B Anderson, Maria Cacciapuoti, Hannah Day, Taymour Hashemzadeh, Benjamin J Krohmal. Some commentators and several professional medical associations have expressed concern that legalizing medical aid in dying (\u201cMAID\u201d) will undermine patient trust in the medical profession, particularly among historically disadvantaged patient populations. The research<\/a> focused on hospital patients in Washington D.C. It did not substantiate concerns that legalizing medical aid in dying undermines patient trust in the medical profession.<\/p>\n\n\n\n PhD thesis<\/a> by Dr Megan Knights (nee Hitchcock) Megan Knights is a Clinical Psychologist who recently completed her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Hertfordshire (UH). In her research, Megan interviewed a small sample of family members about their views on assisted dying, the various contexts informing these views, and the resources that they drew on to support themselves during this time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Summary of main findings<\/a> A comment<\/a> on \u201cOregon Death with Dignity Act access: 25 year analysis\u201d The article \u201cOregon Death with Dignity Act access: 25 year analysis\u201d<\/a> provides a simplistic perspective, relying heavily on correlation, not causation, to make unproven claims about Oregon\u2019s medical aid-in-dying law and erroneously comparing it to euthanasia laws outside the United States. Six claims \u2013 and the facts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Study<\/a> by Gaudenz Urs Metzger and Tina Braun Excerpt: The researchers examined the depiction of dying and death in stock photographs tagged with \u201cpalliative care\u201d. Health care institutions are presented in these images as well-functioning, spotlessly clean places of care, populated by young, primarily female caregivers who look after their mostly fit patients with a sense of sacrifice and devotion. In comparing these narratives to those reported by the dying themselves, it can be observed that uncertainty, the fear of dying and of death, loneliness, and the ailing and decaying body, have simply been omitted from the imagery. PhD Thesis<\/a> by Elena Roxana Tudosie; published January 2023<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Excerpt from the abstract: The assisted dying debate in the legal jurisdiction of England and Wales is nearing a determining moment, therefore, this thesis analyses the factors concerning assisted dying law reform. This study argues that the criminal law and its response to instances of assisted suicide under Section 2 of the Suicide Act 1961, is merely a coping mechanism, an \u2018untidy compromise\u2019 designed to uphold the interests of \u2018compassionate-helpers\u2019. It does not meet the needs of \u2018death-seekers\u2019. Since the Human Rights Act 1998 came into force, the legal judgments in this area reveal judicial deference to the current construct of the law and the Westminster Parliament\u2019s wish to uphold the so-called blanket prohibition. The legislative attempts since 1936, the challenges on compatibility of the prohibition with the European Convention on Human Rights, as well as the prosecutorial decision-making process, have failed to address this cauldron of disquiet. This thesis asserts that the question on assisted dying ought to be addressed fully, with the Government providing Parliamentary time as a matter of urgency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Study<\/a> by Claudia Gamondi, Ang\u00e8le Gayet-Ageron, Gian Domenico Borasio, Samia Hurst, Ralf J. Jox, Bara Ricou; <\/em> This research investigated staff attitudes toward assisted suicide in two University Hospitals in French speaking regions of Switzerland. 13\u2019834 health care professionals, including all personnel caring for patients, were invited to participate. 73% of participants approved that this practice should be authorized in their hospital and saw more positive than negative effects. 57.6% would consider assisted suicide for themselves. Non-medical professionals were 1.28 to 5.25 times more likely to approve assisted suicide than physicians. 70.7% of respondents indicated that each professional should have the choice of whether to assist in suicide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Study<\/a> by Elissa Kozlov PhD, Molly Nowels MS, Michael Gusmano PhD, Muhammed Habib MD, Paul Duberstein PhD, June 2022<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n An analysis of data from nine United States jurisdictions with assisted dying (MAID \/ assisted suicide but not voluntary euthanasia) laws, from 1998 to 2020.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Over 23\u2009years, 5,329 people choose MAID, while 8,451 received a prescription. Individuals who choose MAID tend to be older, white, educated, and diagnosed with cancer across all jurisdictions where it is legal. Many who choose MAID previously had received hospice care. Still, the majority (90%) chose to die at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Analysis press release by Rutgers Biomedical and Health Services<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Article<\/a> by Ben Colburn, Professor of Political Philosophy at the University of Glasgow; <\/em> Abstract: Some of the most common arguments against legalizing assisted dying are based on appealing to the rights of people with disabilities. This article identifies and responds to those arguments, including that people with disabilities univocally oppose assisted dying laws; that those laws harm people with disabilities, or show disrespect; and that those laws undermine other vital aspects of healthcare. Drawing on philosophical argument, as well as on evidence from jurisdictions where assisted dying is legal, the article concludes that considerations of disability do not in fact generate good arguments against assisted dying laws. In fact, the opposite is true. There are nevertheless important lessons that proponents and defenders of such laws can learn in conversation with people with disabilities, including about safeguards on assisted dying to protect their well-being and autonomy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A qualitative study<\/a> in palliative care units on the personal and practical impact of euthanasia requests<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Dani\u00e8le Leboul, Anne Bousquet, Aline Chassagne, Florence Mathieu-Nicot, Ashley Ridley, Elodie Cretin, Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric Guirimand, R\u00e9gis Aubry; <\/em> A request for euthanasia appears to be a willful means to remove oneself from the impasse of an existence paralyzed by suffering. It creates a space for discussion, which promotes negotiation with patients on care practices and therapeutics, and strengthens patients’ sense of autonomy. Investigating the relationship between the evolution of euthanasia requests within the palliative care setting could be beneficial. It is important to encourage health care professionals to adopt a readiness to listen by interacting with patients in a way that is not momentarily action-oriented but rather focused on proactive discussion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Study<\/a> by James Downar MDMC MHSc, Robert A. Fowler MDCM MS(Epi), Roxanne Halko RN MPH, Larkin Davenport Huyer MPH, Andrea D. Hill PhD, Jennifer L. Gibson PhD; <\/em> Medical assistance in dying (MAiD) was legalized across Canada in June 2016. Some have expressed concern that patient requests for MAiD might be driven by poor access to palliative care and that social and economic vulnerability of patients may influence access to or receipt of MAiD. To examine these concerns, the authors describe Ontario\u2019s early experience with MAiD and compare MAiD decedents with the general population of decedents in Ontario. Result: Recipients of MAiD were younger, had higher income, were substantially less likely to reside in an institution and were more likely to be married than decedents from the general population, suggesting that MAiD is unlikely to be driven by social or economic vulnerability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Study<\/a> by Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric Dutheil, Claire Aubert, Bruno Pereira, Michael Dambrun, Fares Moustafa, Martial Mermillod, Julien S Baker, Marion Trousselard, Fran\u00e7ois-Xavier Lesage, and Valentin Navel. <\/em> Physicians are an at-risk profession of suicide, with women particularly at risk. The rate of suicide in physicians decreased over time, especially in Europe. The high prevalence of physicians who committed suicide attempt as well as those with suicidal ideation should benefits for preventive strategies at the workplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Study<\/a> by Huong Q. Nguyen, PhD, RN1 Eduard J. Gelman; Tracey A. Bush, MSW, LCSW; et al, 2018<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n The California End of Life Option Act (EOLOA)took effect on June 9, 2016. In response to recommendations for more comprehensive documentation of EOLOA implementation to improve end-of-life care, this study describes the experience of a large integrated health system and provides in-depth descriptions of individuals who initiated the EOLOA process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Article<\/a> by Jan Bernheim and Kasper Raus, <\/em> The Belgian model of \u2018integral\u2019 end-of-life care consists of universal access to palliative care (PC) and legally regulated euthanasia. The empirical evidence from the euthanasia-permissive Benelux countries shows that since legalisation, carefulness (of decision making) at the end of life has improved and there have been no significant adverse \u2018slippery slope\u2019 effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Study<\/a> by Martijn Hagens, Bregje D. Onwuteaka-Philipsen, H. Roeline and W. Pasman, <\/em> In the Netherlands, people can receive (limited) demedicalised assistance in suicide (DAS) \u2013 an option less well known than physician-assisted dying (PAD). The study explores which trajectories people take to seek DAS. The study concludes that while PAD is the preferred option of people in two trajectories, obtaining PAD is uncertain and not always possible. Dissatisfaction with physician\u2013patient communication can result in the physician not being involved in DAS, being unable to diagnose diseases and offer treatment nor offer reassurance that people seem to seek. It closes with a plea for more mutual understanding, respect and empathy for the limitations and possibilities of the position of the physician and the patient in discussing assistance in dying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Report<\/a> by Phillipa Malpas, Michael Wilson and Pam Oliver, University of Auckland, New Zealand; 2017<\/p>\n\n\n\n What Have We Learnt and What Questions Remain?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Judith A. C. Rietjens , Paul J. van der Maas, Bregje D. Onwuteaka-Philipsen, Johannes J. M. van Delden, Agnes van der Heide in: Journal of Bioethical Inquiry, September 2009, Volume 6, Issue 3, pp 271-283<\/p>\n\n\n\n A research into 387 files of members of DIGNITAS shows that of those members who actually completed their formal request for an accompanied suicide and who actually received a \u201cprovisional green light\u201d, only some 14 % actually made use of an accompanied suicide with DIGNITAS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Excerpt of the diploma thesis<\/a> (2007; PDF, in German)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Evidence concerning the impact on patients in \u2018vulnerable\u2019 groups<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Margaret P Battin, Agnes van der Heide, Linda Ganzini, Gerrit van der Wal, Bregje D Onwuteaka-Philipsen, in: Journal of Medical Ethics 2007; 33 :591\u2013597. doi: 10.1136 \/ jme.2007.022335<\/p>\n\n\n\n Research by a student of the Otto von Guericke University in Magdeburg, Germany, into 138 accompanied suicides at DIGNITAS, shows that the preparation and assessment time between becoming a member of DIGNITAS and the actual accompanied suicide is around 3 to 6 months. The study disproves claims that it is possible to travel to DIGNITAS one day and receive access to an accompanied suicide right away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Study<\/a> (PDF, in German)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nikkie B Swarte, Marije L van der Lee, Johanna G van der Bom, Jan van den Bout, A Peter M Heintz. <\/em> This study<\/a> by Nikkie B Swarte et al of the University of Utrecht shows that bereaved family and friends of cancer patients who died by euthanasia had less traumatic grief symptoms, less current feeling of grief; and less post-traumatic stress reactions than the family and friends of patients who died of natural causes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This article<\/a> by Professors Celia and Jenny Kitzinger explores the problems associated with the right to die for people who lack the capacity to make that choice (because they are in a coma, vegetative, minimally conscious etc). It builds on and develops the emerging bioethics literature on the ‘window of opportunity’ for allowing death by withholding or withdrawing treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What are the social and economic costs deriving from suicides in Switzerland? What is the price of desperation which has to be paid due to some 1300 suicides and ten-thousands of suicide attempts?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Study \u201cThe Price of Desperation\u201d<\/a> (2003; PDF, in German)<\/p>\n\n\n\n The article \u201cLegal, political and ethical aspects of the assisted dying debate in Germany\u201c, published in the journal \u201cAufkl\u00e4rung und Kritik\u201d, special edition 11\/2006 (ISSN 0945-6627) provides many references to studies, numbers and facts regarding suicides in Germany and Switzerland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
published online open access in Journal of Medical Ethics Volume 52, Issue 2<\/a>, February 2026<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nNavigating End-of-Life Decisions with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): a Patient-centered Perspective on the Clinical and Legal Barriers to Medical Aid in Dying (MAiD) in the USA<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
published online open access in Cureus<\/a> 17(9), 13 September 2025<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nMedical Aid in Dying MAiD in Canada: data shows that people are not choosing MAiD simply because they are lonely<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
published online open access<\/a> 7 August 2025<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nPhysicians\u2019 preferences for their own end of life: a comparison across North America, Europe, and Australia<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
published in BMJ Journal of Medical Ethics<\/a>, 10 June 2025<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nAssisted Dying and the Slippery Slope Argument \u2013 No Empirical Evidence<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
published in JAMA Network Open<\/a>, 23 April 2025<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nDemographic influences on Lithuanian physicians\u2019 attitudes toward medical assistance in dying: a cross-sectional study<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
published in Frontiers of Psychiatry<\/a>, 7 January 2025<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nLanguage Matters: The Semantics and Politics of \u201cAssisted Dying\u201d<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
published 2 November 2024. The Hastings Center Report, Volume 54, Issue 5<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nThe Impact of Legalizing Medical Aid in Dying on Patient Trust: A Randomized Controlled Survey Study<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
published in the Journal of Palliative Medicine, August 2024<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nUnderstanding the perspectives of UK-based family members of people who have chosen to end their life by assisted dying<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
published in October 2023<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Full thesis<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nClaims and Facts about Oregon\u2019s Death with Dignity Act at 25 years<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
by Nicholas L. Gideonse and Barbara Coombs Lee
published in BMJ Supportive and Palliative Care, 27 October 2023<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nImaginaries of Dying: The Visual Rhetoric of Stock Images Tagged with \u201cPalliative Care\u201d<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
published in OMEGA – Journal of Death and Dying, June 2023<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stock photography of palliative care paints a highly idealized and euphemistic picture of dying and death. The stereotypical narrowing down of the imagery to a few motifs such as \u201cholding hands\u201d or \u201ccomposure\u201d means that the individual nuances and experiences of dying are erased, especially those that are negative, such as grief or despair. As a result, these images infer that the final phase of life and dying is something peaceful and entirely unproblematic. This can possibly raise false expectations and hopes among patients and relatives and subsequently may also trigger conflicts with institutions and members of staff if the dying process does not proceed according to this ideal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nAssisted Dying Law Reform: Overcoming the Painful Process that Leads to a Painless Death<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nAttitudes of university hospital staff towards in-house assisted suicide<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
published in PLOS ONE, 27 October 2022, open access<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nAggregating 23\u2009years of data on medical aid in dying in the United States<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nDisability-based arguments against assisted dying laws<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
published: 7 April 2022<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nUnderstanding why patients request euthanasia when it is illegal<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
published 2022 in Palliative Care & Social Practice, Vol. 16: 1-11<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nEarly experience with medical assistance in dying in Ontario, Canada: a cohort study<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
in: The Canadian Medical Association Journal CMAJ, February 2020<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nSuicide among physicians and health-care workers<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
A systematic review and meta-analysis<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
In: PubMed, December 2019, PMID: 31830138, PMCID: PMC6907772, DOI: 10.1371\/journal.pone.0226361<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nExperience With the California End of Life Option Act in the First Year of Implementation<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nEuthanasia embedded in palliative care<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Responses to essentialistic criticisms of the Belgian model of integral end-of-life care<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
in: Journal of Medical Ethics, July 2017<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nTrajectories to seeking demedicalised assistance in suicide: <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
A qualitative in-depth interview study<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
in: Journal of Medical Ethics doi:10.1136\/medethics-2016-103660<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nAttitudes of New Zealand doctors and nurses towards legalising assisted dying<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Report to New Zealand medical and nursing associations<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nTwo Decades of Research on Euthanasia from the Netherlands<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nStudy Shows: Only 14% Proceeded with AS at Dignitas<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nLegal physician-assisted dying in Oregon and the Netherlands<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nStudy Disproves Claims of Immediate Access to Assisted Suicide at Dignitas<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nEffects of euthanasia on the bereaved family and friends<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
A cross sectional study<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
In: British Medica Journal, July 2003; 327:189<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nThe ‘window of opportunity’ for death after severe brain injury<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Family experiences<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\u201cThe Price of Desperation\u201d<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\u201cLegal, political and ethical aspects of the assisted dying debate in Germany\u201c<\/h4>\n\n\n\n