Exploring the discourse of chronic patients about the legalization of medically assisted death

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.12804/revistas.urosario.edu.co/revsalud/a.12112
Dibujo elaborado por Sara Sofía Espinosa Méndez

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Published: Oct 4, 2023
Issue: Vol. 21 No. 3 (2023): Revista Ciencias de la Salud
Section Clinical or Experimental Research


Main Article Content

Authors

  Norma Alicia Ordóñez Vázquez
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
Gustavo Ortiz-Millán
Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico
Paulina Rivero Weber
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic diseases are increasing, and have multiple consequences that at a certain time, over the years, can reach a terminal state of the disease. It is important to know the vision of these patients on medically assisted death.


Objective: To know and analyze the discourse of chronically ill patients on death with dignity, euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide in order to make visible the need to regulate death whit dignity.


Method: A qualitative research was carried out that is inserted within the paradigm of social constructionism. Interviews were conducted using a semi-structured guide. Discourse analysis was extracted to find convergences and differences in the discourses.


Results: Seven participants who suffered from a chronic disease were interviewed. The discourses converge towards a death with dignity without pain, suffering, calm and at home. Their discourses coincide in legalizing euthanasia and medically assisted suicide; however, some differ when it comes to requesting them. The previous death experience of their loved ones is a factor that influences the desire for a death with dignity.


Discussion and conclusions: The experience of chronic illness is an important factor to accept medically assisted death in the future, without being a burden to others and avoiding pain and suffering at the end of life. Religion influences decisions, but a greater openness to accept the legalization of medically assisted death can be observed.

How to Cite
Ordóñez Vázquez, N. A., Ortiz-Millán, G., & Rivero Weber, P. (2023). Exploring the discourse of chronic patients about the legalization of medically assisted death. Revista Ciencias De La Salud, 21(3), 1–24. https://doi.org/10.12804/revistas.urosario.edu.co/revsalud/a.12112
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