Exploring cultural values that underpin the ethical and legal framework of end-of-life care: a focus group study of South Asians
Date
2013
Authors
Samanta, Jo
Samanta, Ash
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
ISSN
DOI
Volume Title
Publisher
Paris Legal
Peer reviewed
Yes
Abstract
The central tenets of the legal and ethical framework that govern end-of-life care are
dignity, equality, freedom of religion and respect for self-determined choice. These are
variously protected by common law, statute and the European Convention of Human
Rights. The interpretation and implementation of policies that govern end-of-life care
depend upon the values that are attributed to these four principles. The cultural values
that underpin these principles were explored in a focus group study of South Asians,
the largest minority ethnic group in Britain. The findings revealed that the values
attributed to dignity and equality were fundamental and humanitarian. Faith-based
beliefs reflected values of expression and freedom of religion, legal protection of the
same and culture-based spirituality. Traditional autonomous decision-making was
considered to be less important than involvement of the family and the communitarian
ethic. The social impact of values such as these will be directly significant when implementing
policies and processes intended to ensure that minority ethnic groups enjoy
equality in end-of-life care. The findings of the study are contextualised within a theoretical
legal and ethical framework.
Description
Keywords
end of life, freedom of religion, focus groups, South Asians
Citation
Samanta, J. and Samanta, A. (2013) Exploring cultural values that underpin the ethical and legal framework of end-of-life care: a focus group study of South Asians. Journal of Medical Law and Ethics, 1, (1), pp. 63-74,