Physician-Assisted Suicide in Medical Sociology: A Complex Analysis of Socio-Ethical, Legal, and Religious Perspectives
Keywords:
Physician-assisted suicide, medical sociology, bioethics, patient autonomy, end-of-life careAbstract
Introduction: The issue of end-of-life decisions remains one of the most contentious and polarized topics in modern healthcare systems. Physician-assisted suicide (PAS) extends beyond purely clinical boundaries, encompassing complex ethical, legal, professional, and socio-cultural dimensions, which positions it as a critical object of study within medical sociology. This article aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the multifaceted phenomenon of PAS, drawing upon various academic sources and global empirical data. Methods: The study employs a qualitative research design, specifically a critical secondary data analysis and a thematic literature review (desk research) utilizing international scientific databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Results: The analysis reveals a stark ideological dichotomy between proponents of patient autonomy and "death with dignity" and defenders of the absolute sanctity of life. Furthermore, the study highlights that religious-metaphysical worldviews (particularly within Christian, Islamic, and Jewish traditions) and the degree of societal secularization remain powerful determinants in shaping both public and professional medical attitudes toward this practice. Conclusions: The legal and social regulation of the right to end-of-life requires a balanced, multidisciplinary approach, wherein medical sociology offers a unique framework for examining the intricate intersections of individual freedom, professional medical ethos, and collective societal values.
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