[Joint support of the Association for the Right to Die with Dignity].
In 1990, about 21,000 people were members of the Union. Membership is heavily dominated by women. It is noteworthy that the suicide rate is much higher among men. Moreover, young members are extremely rare. Members per 10,000 population are 3 in the age group 45-49, but the rate exceeds 19 per 10,000 among those aged 75-79. The Union was primarily established for lobbying in view of a change in the current laws. However, it seems that most of its members have in mind the quest for an answer to his/her own personal problem. Membership is more frequent in big cities than rural areas. Social control, and the activities of the Union, developed mostly in towns, are key explanations to the discrepancy.
Courtas
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R
Centre de Sociologie de l'Ethique, Paris.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005602:France; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009939:Organizations, Nonprofit; D012297:Right to Die