ANALYSIS OF A SOCIAL SYRVEY OF MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS ON EYTHANASIA IN UKRAINE UNDER MARTIAL LAW
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32782/pub.health.2026.1.19Keywords:
euthanasia, public opinion, war, bioethics, medical law, palliative careAbstract
Topicality. Euthanasia remains prohibited in Ukraine, despite discussions in the scientific community and society about the human right to a dignified death. In wartime, this issue is particularly relevant given the growing number of patients with severe injuries, incurable conditions and suffering. In this context, it is especially important to study public opinion, in particular that of medical professionals who are directly faced with this ethically complex dilemma.
Materials and methods. Analysis of legal acts, scientific sources and empirical sociological survey. In March-April 2025, a survey was conducted among healthcare workers in Sumy Region (n=182), with representatives of both sexes of different ages and specialisations. The questionnaire contained 23 questions, mostly closed-ended, and was distributed online.
Research results. The majority of respondents understood the concept of euthanasia (97%). Only 8.3% expressed a positive attitude towards it, 8.3% - a negative one, and 83.4% have not decided. 27.3% support the idea of allowing euthanasia under martial law, while 54.5% are undecided. 72% believe that ethical principles regarding euthanasia should be revised in times of war. 83.3% admitted that euthanasia should be allowed only with the patient's voluntary consent, and 58.3% - only in case of incurable illness. Doctors pointed to ethical dilemmas, including the conflict between professional duty and compassion (58.3%), legal consequences (66.7%), and the threat of abuse (83.3%).
Conclusions. The study confirms the complexity of ethical choices regarding euthanasia in wartime. Despite the legal ban and calls for the development of palliative care as an alternative, 72% of respondents believe that ethical principles must be adapted to the realities of martial law. The survey results demonstrate the ambivalence of public opinion and the dependence of attitudes towards legalisation on personal convictions and the patient’s right to autonomy.
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