Indian Journal of Palliative Care / Sep-Dec 2011 / Vol-17 / Issue-3 197 Original Article Attitudes Toward Euthanasia Among Doctors in a Tertiary Care Hospital in South India: A Cross Sectional Study Sneha Kamath, Priya Bhate, Ginu Mathew, Srijith Sashidharan, Anjali B Daniel Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal, India Address for correspondence: Dr. Anjali B Daniel; E-mail: anjalibenjamin@yahoo.co.in ABSTRACT Context: Advances in expertise and equipment have enabled the medical profession to exercise more control over the processes of life and death, creating a number of moral and ethical dilemmas. People may live for extended periods with chronic painful or debilitating conditions that may be incurable. Aim: This study attempts to study the attitudes of doctors toward euthanasia and the possible factors responsible for these attitudes. Settings and Design: A cross-sectional survey of 213 doctors working at a tertiary care hospital was conducted to determine their attitudes toward euthanasia. Materials and Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess attitudes and personal perceptions about euthanasia. Statistical Analysis Used: The Chi square test was used to assess factors influencing attitudes toward euthanasia. Results: A majority of the respondents (69.3%) supported the concept of euthanasia. Relief from unbearable pain and suffering was the most commonly (80.3%) cited reason for being willing to consider the option of euthanasia. Majority of those who were against euthanasia (66.2%) felt that the freedom to perform euthanasia could easily be misused. Disapproval of euthanasia was associated with religious affiliation (P<0.001) and speciality (P<0.001). Conclusions: A majority of the doctors in this study supported euthanasia for the relief of unbearable pain and suffering. Religion and speciality appear to be significant in determining attitudes toward euthanasia. Key words: Attitudes, Doctors, Euthanasia INTRODUCTION Euthanasia, derived from a Greek term meaning “good death” refers to the intentional hastening of death of a patient by a physician with the intent of alleviating suffering. [1] Euthanasia may be carried out by administering drugs to cause death [2] (active euthanasia) or by withdrawing treatment that is essential to keep the patient alive [3] (passive euthanasia). Pain relief and sedation do not fall within the scope of euthanasia. [2,4] The issue of euthanasia has long been a matter of debate in medical, social, legal, and religious domains. Although usually carried out at the ailing person’s request, the decision may be taken by relatives, doctors, or in some instances – as in the recent landmark judgement on Aruna Shanbaug – the courts. The present exploratory study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in south India in order to learn the attitudes of doctors toward euthanasia and the possible factors responsible for these attitudes. MATERIALS AND METHODS This cross-sectional survey was conducted between March and April 2010 among medical interns, postgraduate trainees, and faculty members directly involved in patient care in various departments of a tertiary care teaching hospital in South India. A self- administered questionnaire was designed and validated Access this article online Quick Response Code: Website: www.jpalliativecare.com DOI: 10.4103/0973-1075.92336