'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?

[nutella, MSN, RN]

Assisted suicide and euthanasia are not the same.

The "right to die" enables terminally ill patients, who have to go through a certain process, with the possibility of obtaining lethal medication to end their live on their own terms.

Euthanasia as allowed in few countries in Europe is very different from assisted suicide, in which the patient has to be able to take the life ending medication.

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

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.

You know that's not what happens in any of the states that have death with dignity laws right? The patient is prescribed a barbiturate (I believe typically it is secobarbital) and they take it at the time of their choosing. The patient has to be the one to self-administer the fatal dose.

Also, the ANA's position is that nurses should not participate in euthanasia.

[Libby1987]

I would definitely help with assisted suicide in very specific situations. And I would do the same for euthanasia again in very situations.

For you who would never consider it, would you if there were inadequate pain control options? What if there were no pain control options?

[KatieMI, BSN, MSN, RN]

Terminal wean plus morphine drip may not be named "euthanasia" but in all practical means comes pretty much close to it.

I did it a few times. It was not simple, and we usually have nurses specialists from hospice for assistance and support because too many feel quite a lot uneasy about the whole thing. But I must tell, seeing that poor soul whispering in his last hour that it was his first pain-free time in months and his first and last chance to actually speak with his family and tell them how much he loved them in weeks made it all making sense.

[Palliative Care, DNP]

I believe that terminally ill patients should have the right to die with their dignity intact, in as little pain as possible, and surrounded by loved ones.

[Farawyn]

I would definitely help with assisted suicide in very specific situations. And I would do the same for euthanasia again in very situations.

For you who would never consider it, would you if there were inadequate pain control options? What if there were no pain control options?

No. I would not.

[Farawyn]

I believe that terminally ill patients should have the right to die with their dignity intact, in as little pain as possible, and surrounded by loved ones.

So do I.

[OscarTheOwl]

I could absolutely make someone comfortable with prescribed medications that may hasten the dying process, like morphine. I fully believe in a peaceful exit from this life.

I could not be the one who administers medication to end someone's life in that moment for the specific purpose to cause death. I see these as two different things, though others may see them as one in the same.

I believe there should be an end to suffering and I do not judge those who take that route.

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

Quality of life is more important than quantity of life. If my days involve needless prolonged suffering, then I want the option to end my life in peace. Others should have the same option, if they choose.

[SleeperHold]

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.

I really like where you said "I'm not saying that just because I couldn't do these things...well, that doesn't mean they should be illegal."

It's easy to think the two are equivalents. Strong point you make, they are not. Really caught my attention and made me think.

[mrsjonesRN]

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.

Well said!!

[mrsjonesRN]

I believe that terminally ill patients should have the right to die with their dignity intact, in as little pain as possible, and surrounded by loved ones.

Definitely agree with this!