Exploring Suicide Tourism: Motivations and Ethical Dilemmas for Polish 50+ Nationals
Bugaj, Ewa (2024)
2024
All rights reserved. This publication is copyrighted. You may download, display and print it for Your own personal use. Commercial use is prohibited.
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024120332248
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024120332248
Tiivistelmä
This thesis examines the phenomenon of suicide tourism, focusing on the motivations and ethical dilemmas faced by Polish nationals aged 50 and older. With assisted euthanasia being illegal in Poland, individuals seeking this option must consider traveling abroad, often to countries where it is legally permitted. This research seeks to understand the complex personal, cultural, and ethical factors influencing such a decision.
A qualitative approach was used, involving in-depth interviews with individuals aged 50 and older to capture diverse viewpoints within the target group. The participants shared their personal experiences, beliefs, and reflections on the topic, providing rich and varied insights. The research explores key themes such as the importance of personal autonomy, the desire to avoid prolonged suffering, and the role of family dynamics in shaping decisions. It also considers the strong influence of Poland’s Catholic heritage, which often conflicts with the idea of assisted euthanasia, creating tension between personal desires and societal expectations. The findings reveal that while many value autonomy and see assisted euthanasia as a dignified option for those experiencing unbearable pain, practical and emotional barriers, such as traveling abroad and familial opposition, often complicate the decision. Ethical dilemmas are explored through the lens of utilitarianism, which emphasizes reducing suffering, and deontological ethics, which focuses on moral principles that oppose intentionally ending life. These theories help explain the conflicting emotions and rationales that individuals face when considering assisted euthanasia. Additionally, the study highlights the practical and emotional challenges associated with suicide tourism, including navigating legal procedures in foreign countries and coping with the physical and psychological strain of such a journey. It also draws attention to the lack of legal and emotional support in Poland for those contemplating end-of-life decisions, underscoring the need for broader societal discussions about assisted euthanasia.
By delving into the motivations and ethical concerns surrounding suicide tourism, this research provides valuable insights into the perspectives of Polish nationals over 50. It contributes to understanding the interplay between personal autonomy, cultural values, and ethical dilemmas in end-of-life decisions.
A qualitative approach was used, involving in-depth interviews with individuals aged 50 and older to capture diverse viewpoints within the target group. The participants shared their personal experiences, beliefs, and reflections on the topic, providing rich and varied insights. The research explores key themes such as the importance of personal autonomy, the desire to avoid prolonged suffering, and the role of family dynamics in shaping decisions. It also considers the strong influence of Poland’s Catholic heritage, which often conflicts with the idea of assisted euthanasia, creating tension between personal desires and societal expectations. The findings reveal that while many value autonomy and see assisted euthanasia as a dignified option for those experiencing unbearable pain, practical and emotional barriers, such as traveling abroad and familial opposition, often complicate the decision. Ethical dilemmas are explored through the lens of utilitarianism, which emphasizes reducing suffering, and deontological ethics, which focuses on moral principles that oppose intentionally ending life. These theories help explain the conflicting emotions and rationales that individuals face when considering assisted euthanasia. Additionally, the study highlights the practical and emotional challenges associated with suicide tourism, including navigating legal procedures in foreign countries and coping with the physical and psychological strain of such a journey. It also draws attention to the lack of legal and emotional support in Poland for those contemplating end-of-life decisions, underscoring the need for broader societal discussions about assisted euthanasia.
By delving into the motivations and ethical concerns surrounding suicide tourism, this research provides valuable insights into the perspectives of Polish nationals over 50. It contributes to understanding the interplay between personal autonomy, cultural values, and ethical dilemmas in end-of-life decisions.