Abstract

The main aim of this qualitative work is to explore the scope, nature of existing doubts, concerns, and objections, which arose in the mentality of selected groups of Japanese Roman Catholics, and to provide the typology of these findings. The method used in this research was based on specially devised questionnaires. This method aimed to collect qualitative data. The results obtained from questionnaires delivered in selected groups of Japanese Roman Catholics inform that there is a very deep gap between understanding of the concept of euthanasia and its acceptance/rejection. This investigation also reveals the hierarchy of values in the mentioned context. In conclusion, the concept of euthanasia is very often confused with so called “death with dignity” and because of this fact it is not clear, what action is consistent with the religious doctrine and what is against. This confusion might be a crucial factor which determines the attitude towards rejection/acceptance/withdrawal from the decision concerning euthanasia in the group of Japanese Roman Catholics.