OPINION AND ATTITUDE OF STUDENTS REGARDING THE ETHICAL AND MORAL ASPECTS OF EUTHANASIA

Abstract

Introduction: The modern use of the term "euthanasia" refers to the painless killing of a person who suffers from a terminal illness and is in very difficult living conditions. Rational in nature, the act of killing is carried out by another person, often a medical person, to alleviate the suffering of the patient.

Aim: To explore students' attitudes towards the ethical and moral aspects of euthanasia. 

Materials and Methods: 43 students of second, third and fourth year studying in the courses of " Midwife" and " Nurse" participated in the present study between April and May 2023. A questionnaire and documentary method was applied.
Results and discussions. Almost half of the respondents rated their available information related to the concept of euthanasia as sufficient (46.5%). More than half of the respondents are familiar with the legal regulation of euthanasia in Bulgaria and cannot assess the need for changes in the legal framework. According to 69.8% of students, the main problem is not the legalization of euthanasia, but the lack of adequate access to supportive treatment and quality health care. A significant proportion of respondents support voluntary euthanasia - 41.9%, the opposite opinion is held by 37.2% of students who do not support euthanasia and its varieties.

Conclusion: Respondent students are familiar with the nature of the concept of euthanasia and evaluate their available information related to the concept of euthanasia as sufficient. Students indicated more than one reason influencing the decision to euthanize and put uncontrolled pain first. Changes needed are related to improving access to adequate supportive treatment and quality health care, not in legalizing euthanasia.A significant proportion of respondents support voluntary euthanasia.