Objective:

To evaluate U.S. Muslim attitudes toward utilizing a conscience clause to opt out of brain death determination.

Background:

The Uniform Determination of Death Act (UDDA) defines death as irreversible cessation of cardiopulmonary or neurologic function. New Jersey is the only U.S. state that allows individuals to opt out of brain death on religious grounds. The possible inclusion of such a conscience clause in Uniform Law Commission revisions has become a subject of growing debate nationally. Prior research found Muslims to be the most supportive religious demographic of utilizing a conscience clause. However, no study to date has directly examined their attitudes toward brain death and potential religious opt-out.

Design/Methods:

We conducted a nationwide survey of Muslim adults (≥18 years) using Centiment. Respondents watched an educational video on brain death then completed a six-item validated knowledge test. An attitudes questionnaire toward continued treatment after brain death based on a clinical vignette was conducted. Demographics including age, gender, education, income, political affiliation, religiosity, and ethnicity were collected; analysis was conducted through ANOVA and regression models.

Results:

1045 Muslims completed the survey (mean age 38.4 years, 54% male). 72% of respondents correctly identified brain death according to U.S. laws, while 41% considered the patient alive per personal beliefs. 70% agreed that hospitals should be required to continue treatment if families objected to brain death. 56% would request treatment for themselves, and 59% would object to brain death determination for a family member. Male gender, White ethnicity, higher income, and high religious commitment predicted greater support for a conscience clause (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

U.S. Muslims hold nuanced views on brain death which are influenced by both socioeconomic background and religiosity. The complex intersection of faith and end-of-life ethics remains a key factor in UDDA deliberations and may shape future policy revisions.