[Opinion of general and specialized physicians toward euthanasia. Results from the French survey on attitudes and practices against palliative care, 2002].

Objectives: To evaluate opinion of physicians about the legalization of euthanasia according to their professional characteristics, their attitudes toward morphine, their attitudes toward communication with end-of-life patients, and their perception of specific types of terminal care.

Method: Univariate and multivariate analyses were carried out from data collected among 1.000 general practitioners, oncologists, neurologists and HIV specialists (French cross-sectional survey on palliative care, 2002).

Results: 42.5% of physicians agreed with the statement that euthanasia should be legalized as it is already the case in the Netherlands. Inadequate prescription of morphine and calling terminal sedation as active euthanasia were associated with a favorable opinion toward legalization of euthanasia.

Conclusion: Specific training on pain management and terminal sedation would help physicians to have a better view of the problem of euthanasia.