Context: Euthanasia and assisted suicide have long been subjects of ethical and historical debate, largely due to their connection to the fundamental principle of the right to life. Euthanasia is defined as the intentional act of one individual to end the life of another, using the most humane and painless means available, with the aim of serving the best interests of the person who dies. Research shows that around 10% of terminally ill patients express a moderate-to-strong desire for an early death. While arguments persist both in support of and in opposition to assisted dying, public approval for its legalization has reached unprecedented levels. The international literature indicates that attitudes toward euthanasia are influenced by a combination of sociocultural factors, religious beliefs, professional roles, age, and evolving personal views on death.
Objectives: This study aimed to explore the attitudes of healthcare professionals in Greece toward euthanasia and to assess how individual characteristics, religious orientation, and perceptions of death shape these attitudes.
Methods: A total of 465 healthcare professionals working in Greek healthcare services participated. Data were collected on socio-demographic and professional variables, attitudes toward euthanasia, and views on end-of-life issues. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify significant predictors.
Results: Results showed that healthcare professionals’ attitudes toward euthanasia were significantly influenced by age, the type of patient they cared for, religious beliefs, and their views on death and dying.
Conclusions: These findings highlight the multifaceted nature of ethical decision-making in clinical practice, particularly when addressing requests for assisted death from terminally ill patients. In contexts like Greece, where legal frameworks around euthanasia remain restrictive, it is crucial to examine the deeper reasons for the limited public and professional discourse on the issue—especially given the growing global momentum toward its legalization.
