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A recent study conducted by Tampere University and the Finnish Medical Association reveals a growing support for the legalization of euthanasia among Finnish doctors. The study, which garnered approximately 9,000 responses with a 31% response rate, indicates a significant shift in the medical community’s perspective on this sensitive issue.
About 55% of the surveyed doctors either fully (29.3%) or partially (25.2%) agreed with the legalization of euthanasia in Finland.
However, the topic continues to be divisive, with slightly over 40% either completely (29.3%) or partially (11%) disagreeing. Around 5% of the respondents were undecided.
Comparing to previous studies, support for euthanasia has gradually increased over the years. The medical community’s stance has become more polarized, with fewer doctors remaining uncertain about their position.
The study also highlights demographic differences in attitudes towards euthanasia. Younger and male doctors in the working-age group are more likely to support legalization than their older and female counterparts. Medical students also show a more favorable attitude compared to working or retired doctors. Specialists in palliative medicine and those in conservative fields like geriatrics, oncology, and internal medicine tend to view euthanasia more negatively than other medical professionals.
“Physicians who frequently care for terminally ill patients appear more critical of euthanasia, even though overall support among the medical community has grown,” notes Professor Juho Lehto from Tampere University.
Despite the growing support for legalizing euthanasia, a significant portion of doctors are not willing to perform it themselves. Only a minority responded positively to the prospect of practicing euthanasia if it were legal in Finland.
The Finnish Medical Association’s Managing Director, Janne Aaltonen, acknowledges this cautious approach: “When doctors consider this matter personally, they are very critical. It’s understandable, and not all doctors find this issue relevant. The Federation must decide the weight given to this matter during their spring meeting.”
The Finnish Medical Association, in collaboration with Tampere University’s research team, plans to conduct more detailed analyses and reports from this study. Further research is underway, including a survey of nurses’ views on euthanasia in partnership with the Finnish Nurses Association and a public survey scheduled for 2024.
The Finnish Medical Association has been exploring Finnish doctors’ opinions and attitudes towards euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide since 1993. The latest survey, conducted in November-December 2023, was a collaborative effort between the Finnish Medical Association and the research team from Tampere University. The survey targeted the entire membership of the Association, including medical students nearing the end of their studies, and was conducted anonymously via an electronic questionnaire.
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
