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🇮🇸 Iceland /Health & Science

Icelandic medical leaders question assisted dying survey results

From Morgunblaðið · () Icelandic

Translated from Icelandic, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Leaders of Iceland's medical associations question survey results on physician and nurse attitudes toward assisted dying.
  • They argue the low response rate and small sample size make the findings unreliable.
  • The associations emphasize the need for a strong healthcare system and palliative care before considering assisted dying legislation.

Leaders of Iceland's medical associations are urging caution in interpreting recent survey results regarding attitudes toward assisted dying among healthcare professionals. Helga Rósa Másdóttir, chair of the Icelandic Nurses' Association, and Steinunn Þórðardóttir, chair of the Icelandic Medical Association, argue that the conclusions drawn do not stand on solid ground.

The survey, conducted in 2023 by the Ministry of Health, polled 400 doctors and 400 nurses. Preliminary findings indicated that 86% of nurses and 56% of doctors supported legalizing assisted dying. However, Másdóttir and Þórðardóttir highlight significant issues with the survey's methodology and response rate.

"Only 133 doctors responded to the question of whether they supported assisted dying," the chairs stated in an opinion piece. "Of these 133 doctors, 56% said they supported legalizing assisted dying." Similarly, only 115 nurses answered the question, with 86% of them expressing support.

Only 133 doctors responded to the question of whether they supported assisted dying. Of these 133 doctors, 56% said they supported legalizing assisted dying.

— Helga Rósa Másdóttir and Steinunn ÞórðardóttirHighlighting the low response rate in a survey on assisted dying.

This low participation rate means the results are based on responses from approximately 3% of practicing nurses and 8% of practicing doctors. The association leaders stress that these figures do not accurately represent the broader medical community's views. They also caution against creating pressure on vulnerable individuals, emphasizing that the rights of a few should not lead to undue influence on those in weaker positions.

Furthermore, the associations assert that numerous conditions must be met before assisted dying can be a viable option in Iceland. They call for a robust healthcare system, equitable access to comprehensive palliative and end-of-life care, clear discussions about treatment goals, and policy development grounded in evidence-based knowledge.

The rights of a few should not lead to pressure on those who are weakest.

— Helga Rósa Másdóttir and Steinunn ÞórðardóttirExpressing concern about potential undue influence related to assisted dying.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Morgunblaðið in Icelandic. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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