Citation

Gandsman A. Death Stud. 2016; 40(9): 578-588.

Affiliation

School of Sociological and Anthropological Studies , University of Ottawa , Ottawa , Canada.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/07481187.2016.1193568

PMID

27284728

Abstract

Anti-euthanasia activists currently make their arguments against physician-assisted dying in terms of vulnerability and risk. Tensions in this strategy emerge because many are drawn to activism out of religious beliefs. This article will explain how they have reframed their argument that physician-assisted dying is a "recipe for elder abuse." This strategy attempts to manufacture uncertainty among 'vulnerable' groups by strategically deploying doubt against medical institutions and governments, while generating distrust against among family members. This article will argue that underlying this strategic deployment of risk are beliefs that posit assisted death as polluting to society.

Language: en