Attitudes toward euthanasia: a comparative analysis of ethical perceptions in India and the Republic of Moldova

Abstract

Euthanasia remains a controversial and deeply debated topic in end-of-life ethics. The Constitutions of Moldova and India uphold the right to life as a basic human right and its breach in any manner is a serious crime. While societal awareness has improved, it remains as a significant ethical dilemma. This paper aims to compare the perceptions of euthanasia in Moldova and India and study how social and religious values play a vital role in forming public attitudes and shaping end-of-life ethics. This study is based on articles available in scientific archives such as PubMed and Research Gate as well as a literature review of legal and scientific journals. Statistical surveys conducted on randomly selected citizens of both nations by certified research databases such as ibn.idsi.md and Med India have also been utilized in this paper. This study showed significant religious and cultural variations. Citizens of Moldova, a country influenced by European values and secularism, favored euthanasia, mostly in cases of irreversible suffering. Public opinion of Indian citizens showed that they perceived euthanasia more strictly, due to religious and cultural differences as well as communal beliefs on end-of-life ethics. However, concerns regarding abuse, lack of regulations and patient protection were expressed by both societies. A generational gap was also noted where mostly younger respondents favored euthanasia, pointing to possible redirections in future legal avenues. This comparative study reflects euthanasia perceptions in both nations and how they are influenced heavily by religion and culture. Citizens of both nations emphasized the need for bioethical principles and culturally sensitive policies to be used in the jurisdiction of end-of-life practices.