Lay Attitudes Towards End-of-Life Decision-Making in Germany and Israel

National differences in end of life regulation are mirrored only partly in the attitudes of lay persons and influenced by the religious views and personal experiences of those being affected. Based on respect for autonomy, lay persons in non-religious groups in both countries argue for possibilities of euthanasia in severe cases, but caution against its possible misuse. National contrast was apparent in the moral reasoning of lay respondents concerning the distinction between withholding and withdrawing treatment. Modern religious lay persons in Israel argued strongly against allowing the withdrawal of treatment based on a patient’s wish, by referring to the halakhic tradition.