Citation

Ersek M. J. Hosp. Palliat. Nurs. 2004; 6(1): 46-59.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/00129191-200401000-00014

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Assisted death, a concept that includes assisted suicide and euthanasia, continues to be a hotly debated topic in healthcare. This complex issue often is not fully understood by clinicians. The purpose of this article is to define important terms surrounding the issue, describe the historical and sociocultural context of assisted death, summarize the key ethical arguments for and against assisted death, and explore nursing roles in responding to patients' requests for aid in dying. The article also describes a process for exploring and articulating one's personal perspective about assisted death, while considering bioethical, legal, religious, cultural, and professional viewpoints. © 2004 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.

Language: en

Keywords

Ethics; Euthanasia; Assisted suicide; Nursing; Assisted death