Hungary stands beside death penalty

24.hu reports that public opinion supports euthanasia and abortion, at least the non-religious part, according to Závecz Research.

Závecz Research, on behalf of Index.hu, asked Hungarians about the most problematic questions of the country’s and Europe’s public opinion, which have been concerning many people for years: death penalty, euthanasia and abortion.

Death penalty does not exist in Hungary, it is prohibited by international treaties and by the Fundamental Law, while, according to experts, it has no dissuasive power over the killers. Back in the day Fidesz did not support it either, but the topic was raised in public discussion. According to Závecz Research this year,

24 per cent of Hungarians fully support it, 52 per cent would accept it in certain cases of life-threatening offenses, 21 per cent fully accept it, and 3 per cent did not know or did not want to answer the question.

In February, 2007, 31 per cent was against death penalty, now this number is only 10 per cent.

It is illegal in Hungary to help incurable patients to death, but the person can decide in advance how to deal with them if they get into such a situation. In recent years, the rate of supporters and opponents of euthanasia has been wavering. Interestingly, many of the supporters are graduates and non-religious.

The research has shown that 71 per cent of people agree, 23 per cent do not agree with euthanasia, and 6 per cent do not know, or do not want to answer.

The public opinion regarding abortion is unified, only one-fifth of Hungarians are against it. Ten years ago 88 per cent supported it, so this rate decreased. Contrary to the previous questions, abortion is legal, though women choosing this need to go through discussions with a health visitor before they are allowed to make this choice.

Legitimate reasons can be if the pregnancy puts the mother’s life in danger, if the fetus is damaged, or if the pregnancy is the result of an act of crime, or if the mother is in a serious crisis. Usually opponents are more religious while supporters are less religious.

78 per cent agree, 19 per cent disagree and 3 per cent did not know, or did not want to answer.

Source: 24.hu