A study published in the Journal of Palliative Medicine has confirmed that legalising assisted dying does not diminish patient trust in the medical profession. This is valuable research for politicians in the UK to look to in deciding whether to legalise assisted dying, because it nullifies claims to the contrary made by opponents.
The research, which focused on a diverse group of hospital patients in Washington, D.C., provides crucial evidence that assisted dying laws support, rather than undermine, the trusted relationship between doctors and their patients.
Patients were surveyed about their trust in doctors; some participants were informed that assisted dying was legal in their area, while others were not. The results were clear: patient trust remained strong regardless of whether they were aware of the legal status of assisted dying.
Key Findings:
- Stable Trust: The study found that patients who were informed about the legality of assisted dying reported trust levels in their doctors that were just as high as those who were not informed. Trust in medical professionals remained robust across all groups.
- Increased Support for Assisted Dying: Awareness of assisted dying’s legal status led to a significant increase in patient support for the practice, indicating that better understanding of the law can lead to greater acceptance.
- Reassurance for Marginalised Groups: Importantly, the study found that trust levels remained equally high among both Black and disabled patients, groups that have historically experienced lower trust in healthcare. This suggests that assisted dying laws can be implemented without exacerbating existing disparities in healthcare trust.
This study directly addresses concerns that assisted dying might weaken the ethical foundations of medicine. Instead, it shows that such laws can coexist with strong patient trust, even among those from historically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Trevor Moore, Chair of My Death, My Decision said:
“The results of this study are clear: patients trust their doctors to act in their best interests, and a compassionate assisted dying law won’t change that. This study is a significant affirmation that legalising assisted dying does not undermine trust, but rather reinforces the importance of patient autonomy and informed choice.
“In the UK, adults who are suffering from a condition with no hope of a cure face limited and inhumane options. It’s about time that we followed over 30 jurisdictions around the world in legalising the choice of a dignified and compassionate assisted death.”
Notes
Media should contact Nathan Stilwell at nathan.stilwell@mydeath-mydecision.org.uk or phone 07456200033.
Media can use the following press images and videos, as long as they are attributed to “My Death, My Decision”.
My Death, My Decision is a grassroots campaign group that wants the law in England and Wales to allow mentally competent adults who are terminally ill or intolerably suffering from an incurable condition the option of a legal, safe, and compassionate assisted death. With the support of over 3,000 members and supporters, we advocate for an evidence-based law that would balance individual choice alongside robust safeguards and finally give the people of England and Wales choice at the end of their lives.
