A qualitative content analysis on the individual motivations & expectations of active volunteer members in German right-to-die organisations

Background German right-to-die organisations have been legally operating since the 1980s, much like in Switzerland, although this is often not widely known by the public. It is noteworthy that there is little discussion specifically about the volunteer members of these organisations, despite their work offering a unique perspective on assisted suicide. The aim of this study was therefore to explore, through a qualitative interview study, the individual motivations and personal expectations of members of German right-to-die organisations and thereby contribute to the broader ethical, societal, and political debate on assisted suicide. Methods This project was implemented through qualitative interviews conducted with active volunteer members of German right-to-die organisations, followed by a structuring qualitative content analysis based on Mayring’s approach. Thirteen interviews were conducted. Within the framework of qualitative content analysis, the data were coded by assigning text segments to predetermined categories, while additional categories were developed inductively during the analysis. Results Our interviews revealed that negative experiences with end-of-life circumstances were a key motivation for engaging in voluntary work. Participants mentioned particularly dramatic circumstances surrounding the death of close relatives. Additionally, many participants noted that altruistic motivations were a significant driving factor for their involvement. Physicians state that ensuring optimal and comprehensive patient care is a relevant aspect for their engagement. Prevention of brutal suicides was also mentioned as a further motive. Regarding expectations, most participants expressed dissatisfaction with the current political discourse in Germany, advocating for a more natural and open approach to discussions surrounding assisted suicide and the overall culture of death. Conclusion This study shows that engagement in right-to-die organisations is shaped by recurring patterns, particularly negative end-of-life experiences, altruistic motives, and, among physicians, professional responsibility. A key finding is the perceived paradoxical effect of suicide prevention, as the availability of assisted suicide may reduce immediate suicidal pressure and prevent more violent deaths. In addition, participants highlighted persistent societal taboos and a lack of alignment between political regulation and practical experience. These findings underline the importance of incorporating experiential perspectives into ongoing debates on assisted suicide.