Euthanasia: from the perspective of HIV infected persons in Europe.
Andraghetti, R;
Foran, S;
Colebunders, R;
Tomlinson, D;
Vyras, P;
Borleffs, CJ;
Fleerackers, Y;
Schrooten, W;
Borchert, M;
(2001)
Euthanasia: from the perspective of HIV infected persons in Europe.
HIV medicine, 2 (1).
pp. 3-10.
ISSN 1464-2662
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1468-1293.2001.00053.x
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BACKGROUND: In the debate about legalization of euthanasia very little attention has so far been given to the opinion of the patient. OBJECTIVE: To assess the opinion of persons with HIV infection in Europe. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of persons with HIV infection attending HIV/AIDS treatment centres or HIV support organizations in 11 European Union Member States was performed. A total of 2751 anonymous patient self-administered questionnaires were distributed between August 1996 and September 1997. The questionnaire contained 108 questions concerning a variety of topics about HIV care, including five questions on euthanasia. RESULTS: One thousand three hundred and seventy-one people with HIV infection completed the questionnaire, of whom 1341 (98%) responded to the questions concerning euthanasia. Seventy-eight percent of respondents agreed with the legalization of euthanasia in case of severe physical suffering, 47% if there was severe psychological suffering and 24% simply at the patient's request. For physical suffering and at a clear patient's request, accepted practices were: alleviation of pain with double effect (81%), medical euthanasia (62%) and physician assisted suicide (45%). Fifty percent would consider euthanasia for themselves if all treatment options were exhausted. Social indicators such as educational level and employment seemed to play a more significant role in determining attitudes towards legalization, and personal interest in, euthanasia than indicators related to disease status. CONCLUSION: In this study a majority of HIV infected persons in Europe favoured the legalization of euthanasia.