Third of Swedish doctors back euthanasia

A survey finds one-third of the doctors in Sweden support changing the law to allow them to prescribe lethal medication to patients who want to end their lives.

While 35 percent support euthanasia, 40 percent oppose it and 25 percent are unsure, Svenska Dagbladet reported. The results were reported at a conference, Global Health in a New World, in Gothenburg.

The Karolinska Institute polled 1,200 doctors, finding the greatest support for euthanasia among older doctors and psychiatrists.

We had thought that opposition was stronger within the medical profession, said Anna Lindblad, a researcher involved in the survey.

The government appears to be split on the issue. The medical ethics council supports euthanasia, while Minister for Health and Social Affairs Goran Hagglund does not.