recent research The results of a survey conducted by the University of Tampere and the Finnish Medical Association reveal that support for legalizing euthanasia is increasing among Finnish doctors. The study received approximately 9,000 responses, a response rate of 31%, and represents a significant shift in the medical community’s view of this sensitive issue.
Approximately 55% of doctors surveyed fully (29.3%) or partially (25.2%) agreed with the legalization of euthanasia in Finland.
However, opinions remain divided on this topic, with just over 40% of people either completely (29.3%) or partially (11%) disagreeing. Approximately 5% of respondents said they had not decided yet.
Compared to previous studies, support for euthanasia has gradually increased over the years. The medical community is becoming increasingly polarized, and fewer doctors are unsure of their position.
The study also highlights demographic differences in attitudes toward euthanasia. Younger male doctors in the working age group are more likely to support legalization than older female doctors. Medical students also have more favorable attitudes compared to current and retired physicians. Palliative medicine specialists and experts in conservative fields such as geriatrics, oncology, and internal medicine tend to view euthanasia more negatively than other medical professionals.
“Despite growing support across the medical community, doctors who frequently care for terminally ill patients appear to be more critical of euthanasia,” he said. juho rate Graduated from Tampere University.
Despite growing support for legalizing euthanasia, a significant portion of doctors remain reluctant to perform it themselves. Only a minority responded positively to the prospect of practicing euthanasia if it were legal in Finland.
Executive Director of the Finnish Medical Association; Janne Aaltonenacknowledges this cautious approach and says, “When doctors take this issue personally, they are very critical. That’s understandable, but not all doctors find this issue relevant.” .The federation will have to decide what weight to give this issue at its spring meeting.”
The Finnish Medical Association, in collaboration with the Tampere University research team, will conduct a further detailed analysis and report from this study. Further research is underway, including a survey on nurses’ views on euthanasia in collaboration with the Finnish Nursing Association, and a public survey planned for 2024.
The Finnish Medical Association has been researching Finnish doctors’ opinions and attitudes towards euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide since 1993. The latest study was conducted in November-December 2023 and was a collaboration between the Finnish Medical Association and a research team from the University of Tampere. . This survey was conducted anonymously via electronic questionnaire targeting all association members, including medical students nearing the end of their studies.
HT