Dignity in dying: understanding the sentiments of Singaporean caregivers regarding assisted dying as an option for terminally Ill patients

Abstract

Warning: This paper discusses issues around end-of-life and suicide, which some readers may find distressing.

This study contributes to the growing discourse on assisted dying [AD] by foregrounding the perspectives of caregivers whose lived experiences offer critical insights into the ethical, emotional, and structural dimensions of end-of-life care in Singapore. Drawing on semi-structured interviews [SSIs] with 20 caregivers of terminally ill patients and guided by Ajzen’s (1991) Theory of Planned Behaviour [TPB], this study examines how caregiving experiences shape perspectives on AD in Singapore. The findings reveal three key themes: [1] caregiving as a lens into suffering and end-of-life ethics, [2] the role of religion and cultural values in shaping moral boundaries, and [3] structural deficiencies in palliative and caregiving support.