A recent survey by the Centre for Public Opinion Research shows that the majority of Czechs support the right to abortion and the legal regulation of assisted dying. In contrast, opinions on prostitution are more divided, with legislation receiving mixed reactions.
The survey, conducted at the end of May and beginning of June by the Centre for Public Opinion Research at the Sociological Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences (Centrum pro výzkum veřejného mínění), examined, among other things, the views of the Czech population on morally controversial issues. Participants were asked for their opinions on voluntary termination of pregnancy (abortion), voluntary ending of life for terminally ill patients (euthanasia), and the provision of sexual services for payment (prostitution).
More than four-fifths (84 per cent) of Czech society believe that women should have the unrestricted right to decide on an abortion. Ten per cent support allowing abortions only taking into account the health or social circumstances of the mother and child.
A large majority (81 per cent) favour legal regulation of assisted dying. Support is strongest among 30- to 39-year-olds (91 per cent). Respondents over 65 (75 per cent) and those aged 15 to 19 (68 per cent) were the most reserved in their opinions.
Society is significantly more divided on the issue of prostitution. Two-fifths (40 per cent) believe that no legal regulation is necessary, while more than a third (34 per cent) support recognising prostitution as a legitimate profession.
The research institute points out that the results cannot be directly compared with previous surveys due to changes in methodology.
