Opinion research on euthanasia and abortion in students compared to people over 60 years of age in Lower Silesia

Introduction: The issue of euthanasia and abortion is controversial and perceived differently, depending on the age and experience. It includes the act of killing a man and put a person in the face of death and dying.

Aim of the study: Comparing the students and people over 60 years old opinions about euthanasia and abortion.

Material and methods: The study involved 667 respondents – 376 students of Wroclaw University and 291 seniors from The University of the Third Age in Wroclaw and hospitals from Lower Silesia. The questionnaire was divided into two parts: euthanasia – 12 diagnostic features (marked X1–X₁₂) and abortion – 10 diagnostic features (marked X₁₃–X₂₂). The responses expressed as: Do not agree with the statement, Tend to disagree with the statement, I do not know, I have no opinion and Rather agree with the statement, Yes, I agree with the statement. The results are shown in tables and graphs and statistically verified using the χ² test and ANOVA.

Results: 1. Students are significantly more likely than seniors consider abortion as killing a man (p < 0.001). 2. The majority of students and the elderly over 60 years old consider euthanasia as killing a man.

Conclusions: The views of respondents about abortion and euthanasia are varied depending on the age and their own life experience. Most respondents spoke out that killing a man, including eugenic selection, is not allowed, both: abortion and euthanasia.