Nurses and the euthanasia debate: reflections from New Zealand

Aim Through an examination of the present situation relating to legalizing euthanasia and/or physician‐assisted death in New Zealand, this paper is intended to encourage nurses worldwide to ponder about their own position on the ever present topic of assisted dying and euthanasia. Background In New Zealand, euthanasia remains illegal, but in 2012, the ‘End of Life Choice Bill’ was put in the ballot for potential selection for consideration by Parliament, later to be withdrawn. However, it is increasingly likely that New Zealand will follow international trends to offer people a choice about how their lives should end, and that such a Bill will be resubmitted in the near future. Undoubtedly, the passage of such legislation would have an impact on the day‐to‐day practices of nurses who work with dying people. Sources of Evidence This article has been prepared following a comprehensive review of appropriate literature both in New Zealand and overseas. Discussion This article aims to highlight the importance of nursing input into any national debates concerning proposed euthanasia or assisted dying laws. The discussion therefore covers New Zealand's experience of such proposed legislation, that is, the draft Bill itself and the implications for nurses, the history of the assisted dying debate in New Zealand, public and professional opinion, and national and international nursing responses to euthanasia. Conclusion New Zealand nurses will eventually have an opportunity to make their views on proposed euthanasia legislation known, and what such legislation might mean for their practice. Nurses everywhere should seriously consider their own knowledge and viewpoint on this vitally important topic, and be prepared to respond as both individuals and as part of their professional bodies when the time inevitably arrives. The result will be a better informed set of policies, regulations and legislation leading to a more meaningful and dignified experience for dying people and their families. Implications for Nursing and Health Policy Nurses need to be fully informed about, and contribute to, proposed euthanasia or assisted dying legislation. They have extensive expertise in care of the dying, and should therefore be ready to influence law, policy and future nursing practices.