Perceptions of patients towards euthanasia A medico-legal perspective

ABSTRACT

Background: Euthanasia is a matter of debate since its origin and till now. Few countries have proper legislation for the same while in India, the matter is always remain unnoticed. Present study was aimed to analyze perceptions of patients towards euthanasia. Materials and methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 107 patients after obtaining their informed written consent for participation in the survey regarding euthanasia and its medicolegal perspectives. All patients were subjected to pre-tested and validated questionnaire (Likert type scale) related to euthanasia after obtaining their socio-demographic details. Results: Out of 107 responses, only 100 responses were considered for analysis and rest of 7 were discarded. Out of 100 patients, maximum (33%) were in between 31 to 40 years of age, 66% were male, 82% were Hindu, and 71% were married. 51% were agreed that person should be kept alive as long s possible regardless of his age, disease, disabilities and personal preferences. 40% believed that supporting death with dignity means supporting active and passive euthanasia. 61% suggested that freedom of choice also applicable to freedom of choice to live or die. 55% disagreed that some patients should be allowed to die instead of making heroic efforts to prolong their lives. 73% believed that demanding or helping in euthanasia is crime. 52% were unsure regarding legalization of euthanasia. 78% believed that legalization of euthanasia may create moral and ethical problems. Conclusion: Perceptions of patients were varied but conclusion can be drawn that many of them believed that legalization of euthanasia may create moral and ethical problems.