EUTHANASIA;

PERSPECTIVES OF PAKISTANI MEDICAL STUDENTS AND PRACTITIONERS – A SURVEY

Abstract

Objective: To assess the perception towards euthanasia among Pakistani medical students and practitioners. Methods: This
descriptive study was conducted at Dow Medical College and Civil Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. Data was collected by a self administered
questionnaire, consisted of case history of a cancer patient and questions regarding end of life issues. Results: Students were less likely to
approve euthanasia as a murder than doctors. Large number of participants considered it as an unethical act. The decision of patients’ right to
die was more discouraged by the students than doctors. Though, both students and doctors were strongly disagreed to perform euthanasia in
future. The legalization of euthanasia in Pakistan was favored by 15.4% of practitioners, compared with 10.4% of students. Nearly half of the
participants stated that they would not trust doctors if euthanasia become legal in Pakistan. Conclusions: Medical practitioners were found
more in favor of euthanasia, its practice and legalization in Pakistan. This study gave insight for elaborating opinions towards euthanasia by
Pakistan.