Three Approaches to Death and Dying: Japanese, Sub-Saharan African and American

Panelists:
Nancy S. Jecker, PhD (University of Washington)

Miho Tanaka, MPH (Japan Medical Association Research Institute)

Gail Van Norman, MD (University of Washington)

Chaired by: Sally Davies (Aeon Magazine)

Abstract: Panelists will address three distinct cultural perspectives on death and dying. Dr. Jecker will discuss approaches salient in sub-Saharan Africa. She will consider what defines a person and what it means to say that a person does not exist. She will consider the ethical implications for physician-assisted death. Dr. Van Norman will discuss the concept of brain death as it is legally applied in the United States, including social and legal efforts to permit cultural/religious exceptions to defining death using neurological criteria. Ms. Tanaka will address the current state of end-of-life care in Japan by focusing on policy, and will discuss psycho-cultural and social characteristics of Japanese people at the end of life and the implications of these discussions for policy.

Hosted by the Brocher Foundation