The right to die: public perceptions and attitudes in metropolitan Baton Rouge

J La State Med Soc. 1990 Nov;142(11):18-24.

Abstract

The right to die movement is gaining momentum. Forty states, including Louisiana, have passed living will statues. Survey results indicate that relatively few people have accurate knowledge of the living will concept, and less than 4% have actually executed a living will. When informed of their rights, nearly two thirds of the sample would consider executing a living will or appointing a health care agent. Specific kinds of medical procedures desired in hypothetical terminal care situations vary considerably, and vary also according to certain socioeconomic characteristics. situations vary considerably, and vary also according to certain socioeconomic characteristics.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Attitude*
  • Humans
  • Living Wills / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Louisiana
  • Middle Aged
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Public Opinion*
  • Right to Die* / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Withholding Treatment*