Requests for physician-assisted suicide in German general practice: frequency, content, and motives- a qualitative analysis of GPs' experiences.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Physician-assisted suicide (PAS) has been legalised in an increasing number of countries in Western Europe. In Germany, after a landmark decision by the Federal Constitutional Court in 2020, the ban on PAS was removed from the Model Medical Code of Conduct in 2021. Although the German Medical Association makes it clear that assisted suicide (AS) is not a genuine medical task, doctors have been approached about it. As long-standing, trusted companions of their patients, general practitioners (GPs) can be predestined as initial contacts for requests regarding PAS. Aim of this study is to assess the experiences of German GPs with requests for PAS.

Methods

We conducted 19 guideline-based interviews with GPs currently or formerly practicing in Germany (study period: 03

SUBMITTER: Farr L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12016426 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature