[Still a no when it comes to active euthanasia].

Abstract

While there has been a growing acceptance among the general public in Norway that euthanasia and physician assisted suicide should be made legal, the Norwegian Medical Association still strongly opposes such acts. A recent survey at the University Hospital in Trondheim confirms that Norwegian physicians in general have a very restrictive attitude towards euthanasia. Among 483 physicians (response rate 72.8%), only 17.6% were in favour of physicians actively contributing to shortening the life of a patient. However, 36% of the surgeons and gynecologists had a more liberal view, although only 16.5% would personally assist in such acts. None of 69 oncologists, pediatricians, neurologists or neurosurgeons were willing to perform euthanasia. Should euthanasia be established as a legal right, a considerable number of physicians would probably insist on having the right to abstain.