Abstract

Religion may be an influential factor for care of terminally ill patients. Since there was no information of how Japanese religions thought of terminal care, a questionnaire survey was conducted among a total of 388 religious corporations, including 143 Shinto, 157 Buddhist, 58 Christian and 30 miscellaneous religious groups. Respondents were asked to answer questions based on their religious faith regarding a living will, and the introduction or withdrawal of life-sustaining treatments at the terminal stage. Results showed that Japanese religions accepted the concept of living will and "being natural" at terminal care. Many corporations were critical about introduction of life-sustaining measures to the terminally ill patient, though some Shinto corporations were favorable to such acts. The Catholic policy denying extraordinary treatment was approved of by about three fourths of Shinto and Buddhist corporations. The present survey indicated that Japanese religions hold esteem in medicine. They advocate "being natural," when medical treatment becomes futile. Thus, religionists' views may facilitate to deepen and to expand discussion on this important issue among the general public