Citation

Fontana JS. J. Nurs. Scholarsh. 2002; 34(2): 147-151.

Affiliation

Nursing Resource Center, Saint Joseph College, West Hartford, CT, USA. Joycefontana@aol.com

Copyright

(Copyright © 2002, Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

12078539

Abstract

PURPOSE: To examine the current debate over the right to die specific to the rational suicide of terminally ill patients. METHODS: Literature was reviewed for information concerning historical end-of-life practices and the past acceptance of suicide. Another review showed philosophical opinions and perspectives that spanned from ancient Greece and the Roman Empire to modern philosophical discourse. A case study of a terminally ill woman who chose suicide is presented to apply the history and philosophy to nursing care today. CONCLUSIONS: As more nursing care is delivered in patients' homes, nurses will face this situation with increasing frequency. A call is made for organizations to provide guidelines for nursing practice.

Language: en