The social perspective of euthanasia in Spain: variables that predict attitudes towards euthanasia

Abstract

The debate surrounding whether or not euthanasia should be a legal practice has been present in Spanish society since the 90’s. Recently, the Spanish government has passed Organic Law 3/2021 on the regulation of euthanasia. In relation to this question, which has raised and continues to raise controversy among both public opinion and the political and legal world, this work explores the relation of the different variables to the attitudes of the Spanish public towards euthanasia. For this purpose, 182 people residing in Spain took part in the study. The results indicate that there are no differences with regard to the age or gender of the participants in their attitudes towards euthanasia. Those who hold religious beliefs (irrespective of their religion) hold less favourable attitudes towards euthanasia than non-believers. Political orientation also relates to attitudes towards euthanasia. Finally, trust in the country’s health system and people’s empathic concern is also related to their attitudes towards euthanasia. At this point in time, when euthanasia has only just been regulated and starts to be put into practice in this country, it is of vital importance to consider the social perspective of euthanasia. El debate sobre si la eutanasia debe ser o no una práctica legal está presente en la sociedad española desde los años 90. Recientemente, el gobierno español ha aprobado la Ley Orgánica 3/2021 sobre la regulación de la eutanasia. En relación con esta cuestión, que ha suscitado y sigue suscitando polémica tanto en la opinión pública como en el mundo político y jurídico, este trabajo explora la relación de las diferentes variables con las actitudes del público español hacia la eutanasia. Para ello, participaron en el estudio 182 personas residentes en España. Los resultados indican que no existen diferencias en cuanto a la edad o el sexo de los participantes en sus actitudes hacia la eutanasia. Las personas creyentes (independientemente de la religión) tienen actitudes menos favorables hacia la eutanasia que las personas no creyentes. La orientación política también se relaciona con las actitudes hacia la eutanasia. Finalmente, la confianza en el sistema de salud del país y la preocupación empática de las personas también está relacionada con sus actitudes hacia la eutanasia. La eutanasia acaba de aprobarse en España y se empieza a poner en práctica, es de vital importancia considerar la perspectiva social de la eutanasia.

Older adults' attitudes toward using Euthanasia at the end-of life: cancer vs. Parkinson's disease

“…Additionally, participants with higher level of education and lower level of religiosity manifested more positive attitudes toward EUT in both medical conditions. These findings support former studies which found positive correlations between education levels and attitudes toward EUT ( 18 – 21 ), and negative correlations between religiosity level and favorable tendency toward EUT ( 5 , 21 , 30 , 31 , 34 , 37 ).…”

“…Since prevalent religions prohibit all forms of euthanasia and suicide, religious beliefs are important factors in explaining attitudes toward EUT. Most studies reported that religiously observant persons displayed more negative attitudes and behaviors toward EUT and assisted suicide than secular people ( 5 , 21 , 30 , 31 ). However, some variation exists between different religions and religious denominations ( 3 , 18 , 20 , 24 , 32 , 33 ).…”

Attitude of the Lithuanian Public toward Medical Assistance in Dying: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Based on research carried out in Spain, there are no differences in attitudes toward euthanasia according to the gender or age of the participants, which does not correspond to our data. However, religion is seen as an important factor influencing the attitude [ 22 ]. Moreover, according to some studies, sociodemographic factors such as religiosity play a greater role in attitudes toward euthanasia than disease severity [ 23 ].…”

“…Studies suggest that respondents with a worse academic background tend to support euthanasia more compared to those with higher education [ 25 ], which also corresponds to our findings. Additionally, political orientation may have an impact on the public’s attitude [ 22 ]. A unique study from South Korea identified poor physical status and comorbidity as prognostic factors for acceptance of medical assistance in dying [ 26 ].…”

Shaping individual paths for decision-making: a fuzzy set approach of religious and humanistic beliefs leading to the (non)acceptance of euthanasia

“…Religiosity has been measured in diverse ways, which may be broadly categorized into self-identification issues and participation issues. Self-identification issues include the degree to which respondents conceive themselves as being religious (Balslev van Randwijk et al , 2020; Bulmer et al , 2017; Montañés Muro et al , 2023; Musgrave and Soudry, 2000; Ryynänen, 2002; Sullivan et al , 1998) and the importance they attribute to religion or to God (Inglehart et al , 2021; Periyakoil et al , 2016; Pitt, 2014; Rudnev and Savelkaeva, 2018; Verbakel and Jaspers, 2010). Participation issues mainly refer to adherence to religious practices (Barnett et al , 2020; Bevacqua and Kurpius, 2013; Castelli Dransart et al , 2021), particularly in the case of church/religious institution attendance (Burdette et al , 2005; Danyliv and O’Neill, 2015; DeCesare, 2000; Marsala, 2019; Sikora, 2009; Singh, 1979).…”