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Attitudes towards euthanasia and assisted suicide among Sudanese doctors
A M Ahmed1, M M Kheir, A Abdel Rahman
1Department of Medicine, University of Bahr Elghazal, Khartoum, Sudan.
Summary
Most doctors in Khartoum strongly oppose euthanasia and assisted suicide, citing religious beliefs and concerns about patient welfare. A small minority believe these practices may be permissible under strict conditions.
Area of Science:
- Medical Ethics
- Public Health
Background:
- Euthanasia and assisted suicide are ethically contentious medical practices.
- Understanding physician attitudes is crucial for policy development and patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey the attitudes of doctors in Khartoum towards euthanasia and assisted suicide.
- To identify reasons behind physicians' opposition or conditional acceptance.
Main Methods:
- An anonymous questionnaire was administered to 382 doctors at two major hospitals in Khartoum.
- A response rate of 65% (248 doctors) was achieved.
Main Results:
- The vast majority of respondents (85%) expressed strong opposition to euthanasia and assisted suicide.
- A minority (15%) believed these practices could be allowed under specific, safeguarded circumstances.
- Key reasons for opposition included religious beliefs, role of the physician, patient pressure, and potential for abuse.
Conclusions:
- Physician attitudes in Khartoum are predominantly against euthanasia and assisted suicide.
- Religious and ethical considerations significantly influence doctors' views on end-of-life practices.