End-of-life care: an explanation for Wisconsin citizens' attitudes toward legalization of physician-assisted suicide.

The debate concerning the legalization of physician-assisted suicide is ongoing in the United States. In Wisconsin specifically, a bill similar to Oregon's "Death With Dignity Act" was introduced in the 1993-94, 1995-96 and 1997-98 legislative sessions. This study sought to clarify the attitudes of Wisconsin citizens on this topic, as well as to investigate their beliefs and worries concerning end-of-life care. Questionnaires were administered to clinic outpatients, university students and the general public in western Wisconsin. The total sample consisted of 1,368 Wisconsin adults. Less than 10% declined to participate. A majority of respondents (57%) supported the legalization of PAS. Beliefs and worries about end-of-life care reveal that citizens understand they can decline treatment they do not wish. However, only 55% believe that most patients are kept comfortable as they die. Furthermore, respondents are worried that medical technology will be used to prolong their lives against their wishes.