European public acceptance of euthanasia: socio-demographic and cultural factors associated with the acceptance of euthanasia in 33 European countries.

摘要: In many European countries, the last decade has been marked by an increasing debate about acceptability and regulation of euthanasia other end-of-life decisions in medical practice. Growing public sensibility to a 'right die' for terminally ill patients one main constituents these debates. Within this context, we sought describe compare acceptance among general 33 countries. We used Values Study data 1999-2000 with total 41125 respondents (63% response rate) The outcome measure concerned (defined as 'terminating life incurably sick', rated on scale from 1 10). Results showed that tended be high some countries (e.g. Netherlands, Denmark, France, Sweden), while markedly low was found others Romania, Malta Turkey). A multivariate ordinal regression weaker religious belief most important factor associated higher acceptance; however, there were also socio-demographic differences: younger cohorts, people non-manual social classes, educational level have euthanasia. While belief, factors, moral values (i.e. right self-determination) could largely explain differences between our findings suggest perceptions regarding are probably influenced national traditions history Germany). Thus, demonstrated clear cross-national regard euthanasia, which can serve basis further research specific