A good death: The politics of physician assisted suicide in Hawai'i

This dissertation analyzes the politics of the conflict between the advocates of physician-assisted suicide in Hawaii and their opponents. The first part of this dissertation examines the role of society in deciding whether the individual's decisions regarding end of life treatment should be governed by morals, ethics and beliefs maintained under the status quo or whether such decisions should also include the option of physician assisted suicide under strict conditions. This part of the study seeks to answer the questions, What are the end-of-life options that define a "good death" and what are the arguments imbedded in the issue of physician assisted suicide?;The second part of this dissertation addresses the politics of winning the battle of physician assisted suicide legislation in Hawaii. The empirical focus is a small group of individuals joined together by their beliefs in choice and autonomy and who propose legislation to legalize PAS. They are opposed by a bigger and better financed group with ties to organized religion, to health care professionals and to groups whose members have disabilities. In 2002, except for three votes, the advocates almost win.;Despite their continued attempts, the advocates have not repeated their "near win." Challenged by the death of their leader, the lack of financial resources and a declining membership, the sustainability and viability of the advocates are in question. This dissertation concludes by proposing a strategy that may further their attempts to win.