Citation

Zenz J, Tryba M, Zenz M. Pain Ther. 2014; 3(2): 103-112.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Adis)

DOI

10.1007/s40122-014-0029-z

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This study reports on German physicians' views on legalization of euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide, comparing this with a similar survey of UK doctors. A questionnaire was handed out to attendants of a palliative care and a pain symposium. Complete answers were obtained from 137 physicians. Similar to the UK study, about 30% of the physicians surveyed support euthanasia in case of terminal illness and more support physician-assisted suicide. In contrast, in both countries, a great majority of physicians oppose medical involvement in hastening death in non-terminal illnesses. The public and parliamentary discussion should face this opposition to assisted suicide by pain and palliative specialists. © 2014, The Author(s).

Language: en

Keywords

adolescent; adult; human; law; female; male; Germany; aged; United Kingdom; assisted suicide; Euthanasia; Pain; pain; Palliative care; questionnaire; euthanasia; middle aged; terminal disease; palliative therapy; patient attitude; physician attitude; Physician-assisted suicide; Right to die; Article; Terminal care