RACIAL-ETHNIC DISPARITIES IN ATTITUDES TOWARD PASSIVE AND ACTIVE EUTHANASIA. (8th November 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Moorman, Sara M
• Is Part Of: Innovation in aging. Volume 3(2019)Supplement 1
• Page Start: S426
• Page End: S426
• Publication Date: 2019-11-08
• Subjects: Aging -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Periodicals; 612.67
• DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igz038.1590
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2399-5300

Abstract

Abstract: This paper examined racial/ethnic differences in opinions about passive euthanasia (withdrawing or withholding treatment), suicide, and physician-assisted suicide. Data came from 1, 832 participants in the 2013 Pew Religion and Public Life Project. Respondents from all racial/ethnic backgrounds were most likely to favor multiple forms of euthanasia. However, persons of color had a wider variety of opinions about euthanasia than did non-Hispanic whites. In multivariate multinomial logistic regressions, non-Hispanic whites had a 63% chance of approving broadly of euthanasia, while non-Hispanic blacks had a 40% chance, and Hispanics, a 49% chance. Opposition to euthanasia was most common among people with multiple disadvantages (e.g., educational attainment, immigrant status). Neither trust in health care providers nor recent experience with the death of a loved one explained these group differences. Results highlight large differences of opinion between the people who set policy and practice guidelines and those who lack this power and access.