Mass media and euthanasia in colombia. Content analysis and argumentative categorization

Abstract

Introduction: Euthanasia was decriminalized in Colombia by means of Sentence C-239/97 and regulated through Resolution 1216 of 2015 of the Ministry of Health and Social Protection. Some Colombian media were consulted to identify whether their position was in favor, neutral or against euthanasia and their reasons during the period 1997-2015. Objectives: To establish the position of some media regarding euthanasia during 1997-2015 and analyze their reasoning. Materials and methods: After conducting a search in the digital and printed versions of El Tiempo, El Espectador and Revista Semana, a classification and content analysis of the articles on euthanasia was carried out using the software ATLAS.ti, version 8. Results: From 257 articles retrieved, 190 included the term euthanasia in the context of health and end of life. 45% of the articles were neutral and informative and 78.9% did not mention palliative care. Favorable opinions were related to contents about dignity, suffering and regulation. Conclusions: The articles presented contrasting positions with content mistakes and superficial discussions on the issue. The prevailing position was neutral followed by favorable. There was little involvement of the medical community and almost no mention of palliative care. © 2019, Universidad Nacional de Colombia. All rights reserved.