'Right to Die', what's your take on it?

[Shari888, BSN, RN]

So California recently passed the 'right to die' law and I recently saw an episode on 'Vice' where a woman in Europe actually allowed the journalist to record her euthanasia. A nurse was there who set up the heplock in her vein where the medication went in. Wanted to know what other nurses think of the 'right to die' law which is now legal in 5 states and if you would participate in it if there were a nursing job for that?

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

Should not be called the right to die, should be the right to die with dignity.

What exactly do you mean by "would participate in it if there were a nursing job for that?"

[SmilingBluEyes]

https://allnurses.com/nursing-activism-healthcare/the-right-to-898748.html

https://allnurses.com/hospice-nursing/dying-with-dignity-957521.html

https://allnurses.com/nursing-news/washington-state-to-374219.html

https://allnurses.com/general-nursing-discussion/euthanasia-your-opinions-1033271-page12.html

[Nurse Leigh]

I've often thought hey, we have birth plans - wouldn't a death plan be a great tool? (Ok, the name may need some tweaking.)

But really, allowing someone control in that area of life when their health has plummeted seems to be the humane thing to do.

Dignity and autonomy are very important.

[SmilingBluEyes]

I have made my wishes very clear with my spouse and other loved ones. That way if something happens and I cannot speak for myself, they are my voice.

Dying with dignity or in peace is so important to me as I see a lot of prolonged, long-suffering lingering death in my specialty.

[tsm007]

I do not consider euthanasia and dying with dignity equivalent. I would not feel comfortable participating in actively causing death in another human being. I am very supportive in upholding someone's wishes in withholding any life prolonging measures, but noway I would ever be okay with me giving medication that's only purpose is to cause death.

[Farawyn]

I do not consider euthanasia and dying with dignity equivalent. I would not feel comfortable participating in actively causing death in another human being. I am very supportive in upholding someone's wishes in withholding any life prolonging measures, but noway I would ever be okay with me giving medication that's only purpose is to cause death.

Seconded.

[Shari888, BSN, RN]

Should not be called the right to die, should be the right to die with dignity.

What exactly do you mean by "would participate in it if there were a nursing job for that?"

Just what I mentioned in the original post. The nurse in Europe started the heplock for the medications and although they did not show it, I'm sure she provided the aftercare also. If that particular position were offered here in the US, just curious if anyone would take that job? It's such a polarizing subject and affects people differently. I myself would have difficulty with it.

[Farawyn]

I would not.

[Penelope_Pitstop, BSN, RN]

I couldn't take the job.

I also couldn't perform surgical abortions if I was a practitioner.

I'm not saying they're the same thing AT ALL.

But what I am saying is that just because I couldn't do these things...well, that doesn't mean they should be illegal. I fully support a person's right to choose...in all aspects of healthcare.

[xoemmylouox, ASN, RN]

I could and would. My reasons are simple.

I have seen far too many loved ones suffer long and hard with terminal illnesses.

I want better for my loved ones and myself.

I want others to have the same choice as well.

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

I do not consider euthanasia and dying with dignity equivalent. I would not feel comfortable participating in actively causing death in another human being. I am very supportive in upholding someone's wishes in withholding any life prolonging measures, but noway I would ever be okay with me giving medication that's only purpose is to cause death.

Except that euthanasia is still 100% illegal. What is legal is physician assisted suicide- that's the only option in all states who have passed this kind of legislation. The medication can be prescribed, but it is the patient who must administer it to themselves. We allow death to alleviate the suffering of our pets; why not for humans who have made the autonomous decision that the time has come and are willing to self-administer the medication? As with other controversial positions in nursing, there are those who see themselves as unable to participate in these scenarios and those who would be willing to participate.