Majority of Greeks support euthanasia, reject eugenics, survey finds

A majority of Greeks are in favor of euthanasia under certain conditions, while most reject the idea of selecting a child’s physical traits or sex before birth, according to a new national survey.

The research, conducted by the National Commission for Bioethics and Technoethics (EEBT), surveyed over 1,200 people aged 17 and above across Greece. The findings reflect shifting attitudes around sensitive ethical issues.

When asked about passive euthanasia—removing life support from patients in irreversible comas—60% expressed support, while fewer than 40% opposed it.

On the more controversial issue of active euthanasia, where a terminally ill patient requests life-ending medication:

43% said they supported it outright.

Another 28% agreed if the patient’s family consented.

In total, 71% favored allowing some form of active euthanasia, despite it being illegal under current Greek law.

In contrast, the majority were firmly against eugenics.

When asked if they would use IVF technology to choose their future child’s sex or physical traits:

72% said no.

12% supported the idea.

7% would choose only the sex, while 6% would pick certain traits.

The survey highlights growing support for end-of-life autonomy, but continued ethical resistance to genetic selection—a topic raising concerns across both religious and secular communities.