Research Article: Attitude of the Lithuanian Public toward Medical Assistance in Dying: A Cross-Sectional Study
Abstract:
Euthanasia and assisted suicide, involving the intentional termination of a patient’s life, are subjects of global debate influenced by cultural, ethical, and religious beliefs. This study explored the attitudes of the general public toward euthanasia, finding varying levels of support. A cross-sectional study was conducted. This research specifically evaluated the perspectives of 5804 Lithuanian residents using a survey distributed through social media, which presented medical scenarios on life-preserving interventions. Analysis indicated that gender, religion, experience in caring for patients in a terminal condition, education, and age significantly influenced the attitudes of the respondents toward end-of-life decisions. Specifically, factors like being non-religious or having less experience in caring for the terminally ill correlated with a more positive opinion regarding euthanasia and other forms of medical assistance in dying.
Introduction:
Euthanasia and assisted suicide are controversial topics that are causing debates worldwide. Assisted suicide and active euthanasia are crucial yet distinct concepts in the discourse on end-of-life care. Assisted suicide is defined as the provision of means and information to a patient, enabling them to end their own life, typically in cases of severe, incurable disease [1]. In contrast, active euthanasia involves a healthcare professional directly administering a lethal injection to end a patient’s life at their…
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