Physicians Consider Assisted Dying in End-of-Life Scenarios

A recent survey of 1,157 physicians across eight jurisdictions in five countries revealed that over half would consider euthanasia or assisted dying in cases of advanced cancer or severe Alzheimer's disease. In the cancer scenario, 54.2% of physicians viewed euthanasia as a good or very good option, while 51.5% expressed the same sentiment in the Alzheimer's context. Support varied significantly by region, with Belgium showing the highest endorsement (80.8% for cancer, 67.4% for Alzheimer's) and Georgia the lowest (37.9% and 37.4%, respectively).
Physicians practicing in jurisdictions where both euthanasia and assisted dying are legal were more likely to support these options, highlighting the influence of legal frameworks on attitudes. Few doctors favored aggressive life-sustaining measures, with less than 4% opting for tube feeding or CPR. Instead, most prioritized symptom relief and palliative care.
The findings, published in the Journal of Medical Ethics, underscore a generational shift among physicians, with younger doctors increasingly open to assisted dying, aligning with its legalization in some regions. While most physicians aim to avoid imposing their values on patients, their perspectives often influence end-of-life discussions, offering patients and families critical insights into clinical approaches.

Published: 6/11/2025