The Attitude of the Orthodox Parishioners Toward Euthanasia: Evidence From Georgia

Verulava, Tengiz and Mamulashvili, Mariam and Kachkachishvili, Iago and Jorbenadze, Revaz (2019) The Attitude of the Orthodox Parishioners Toward Euthanasia: Evidence From Georgia. International Quarterly of Community Health Education, 39 (2). pp. 101-107. ISSN 15413519

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Abstract

Background: The right of euthanasia is the subject of worldwide discussion today, as it is one of the most controversial medical, religious, political, or ethical issues. This study aims to survey the attitudes of Orthodox parishioners toward the euthanasia. Methods: Within the quantitative study, the survey was conducted through a semistructured questionnaire. Respondents were the parishioners of the Orthodox Church. Within the qualitative study, the survey of the experts of the Orthodox Church, in particular the clergy, was conducted. During the survey of the experts, we used the snowball method. Results: The majority of respondents (81%) were aware of euthanasia. The dominant opinion is that euthanasia is “the consent to life termination during the illness, when there is no way out and recovery is impossible” or “a terminally ill person voluntarily decides to end life painlessly.” Those who disagree with euthanasia rely on the religious factors (why the church prohibits it). Those who agree with euthanasia action argue the legitimate human rights and free will of person. Most of the respondents (86%) have not heard about euthanasia practices in Georgia. Most of the respondents (71%) knew that the Orthodox Church prohibits euthanasia; 39% of the respondents believe that euthanasia is justified in medical terms. Conclusion: It is advisable to raise public awareness on euthanasia in religious, medical, cultural, social, and legal aspects.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	attitude toward euthanasia, physician-assisted suicide, ethics, health care, end-of-life care
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HL Healthcare Policy and Management H Social Sciences > HO Public Health R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine
Divisions:	Centres > Insurance and Public Health Center
Depositing User:	Professor Tengiz Verulava
Date Deposited:	13 May 2019 15:54
Last Modified:	13 May 2019 15:54
URI:	http://eprints.iliauni.edu.ge/id/eprint/9086

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