End of life, assisted dying, and geriatrics: Results of a national survey conducted by the French Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology (SFGG)
Annweiler, Cédric
End of life, assisted dying, and geriatrics: Results of a national survey conducted by the French Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology (SFGG) - 2025.
95
Background Amid ongoing societal and legislative debates in France on end-of-life care, the French Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology (SFGG) conducted a national survey to assess the perceptions and expectations of professionals working in the field of aging regarding assisted dying (AD). Method An anonymous online questionnaire was distributed in November–December 2024 to the 1,600 members of the SFGG. The survey gathered 471 responses, 90% of them from doctors, covering knowledge of the current legal framework, opinions on possible changes to the legislation, anticipated professional impacts, and patient feedback. Results Among the respondents, 58.6% reported having precise knowledge of the current legislative framework and applying it regularly, while 39.7% had only partial knowledge. Regarding desired legal changes, 27.5% wished to maintain the current legislative framework, and 41.8% of respondents rejected all proposed forms of assisted dying. This suggests that the very way the debate is framed may not align with their clinical or ethical perspectives. Should the law change, 25.9% would support assisted suicide supervised by a medical team, 17.8% would favor assisted suicide facilitated by an association, 9.1% would support the issuance of a lethal prescription for self-administration by the patient, and 7.2% would favor euthanasia, defined as the direct administration of a lethal substance by a health care professional. Only 12.5% reported not having a definitive opinion. In the event of the legalization of assisted dying, 48.2% of respondents would consider invoking a conscience clause, 24% might consider leaving their position, and 21.9% would be willing to participate in its implementation. Finally, 68.2% believed that the SFGG should play an active role in the public debate. Conclusion The national French survey highlights a wide range of opinions among geriatric professionals, reflecting both cautious support for certain forms of AD and deep ethical and professional concerns. These findings underscore the need for a well-informed, ethically grounded debate that carefully considers the specific vulnerabilities of older adults.
End of life, assisted dying, and geriatrics: Results of a national survey conducted by the French Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology (SFGG) - 2025.
95
Background Amid ongoing societal and legislative debates in France on end-of-life care, the French Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology (SFGG) conducted a national survey to assess the perceptions and expectations of professionals working in the field of aging regarding assisted dying (AD). Method An anonymous online questionnaire was distributed in November–December 2024 to the 1,600 members of the SFGG. The survey gathered 471 responses, 90% of them from doctors, covering knowledge of the current legal framework, opinions on possible changes to the legislation, anticipated professional impacts, and patient feedback. Results Among the respondents, 58.6% reported having precise knowledge of the current legislative framework and applying it regularly, while 39.7% had only partial knowledge. Regarding desired legal changes, 27.5% wished to maintain the current legislative framework, and 41.8% of respondents rejected all proposed forms of assisted dying. This suggests that the very way the debate is framed may not align with their clinical or ethical perspectives. Should the law change, 25.9% would support assisted suicide supervised by a medical team, 17.8% would favor assisted suicide facilitated by an association, 9.1% would support the issuance of a lethal prescription for self-administration by the patient, and 7.2% would favor euthanasia, defined as the direct administration of a lethal substance by a health care professional. Only 12.5% reported not having a definitive opinion. In the event of the legalization of assisted dying, 48.2% of respondents would consider invoking a conscience clause, 24% might consider leaving their position, and 21.9% would be willing to participate in its implementation. Finally, 68.2% believed that the SFGG should play an active role in the public debate. Conclusion The national French survey highlights a wide range of opinions among geriatric professionals, reflecting both cautious support for certain forms of AD and deep ethical and professional concerns. These findings underscore the need for a well-informed, ethically grounded debate that carefully considers the specific vulnerabilities of older adults.
Réseaux sociaux