Exploring the Discourse of Chronically-Ill Patients about the Legalization of Medically-Assisted Death

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic diseases are increasing in frequency and entail multiple consequences that can eventually lead to death. The study aim was to analyze the discourse of chronically-ill patients on death with dignity, euthanasia, and medically-assisted suicide to highlight the need for regulation of death with dignity. Materials and Methods: A qualitative study was conducted within the paradigm of social constructionism. A semi-structured guide was used to conduct interviews with chronically-ill patients in Mexico City. Discourse analysis was performed to identify convergences and differences in the discourses. Results: Seven interviews were conducted by telephone from January to March 2022. The main diseases of the interviewees were lupus, cancer, arthritis, diabetes, and polycystic ovaries. The discourses converged toward a preference for dignified death without pain or suffering that was calm, and occurred at home. The discourses included the topics of legalizing euthanasia and medically-assisted suicide, but the patients differed on whether or not these should be requested. Conclusions: The experience of chronic illness was an important factor in accepting medically-assisted death for the patients, who did not wish to be a burden on others and wanted to avoid pain and suffering at the end of their lives. Religion influenced the patients’ decisions, but there was openness to accepting legalization of medically-assisted death.