Legalising assisted dying: Why nurses’ voices are vital in crafting safe and effective policy and legislation

Abstract

Assisted dying involves the self-administration of prescribed life-ending drugs by mentally competent patients, with euthanasia as a subset where these drugs are administered by healthcare professionals. The legalisation of assisted dying has expanded globally, and while it remains illegal in the United Kingdom, ongoing debates may signal a shift in that direction. Despite their central role in end-of-life care, nurses have been commonly overlooked throughout the process of legalisation. This opinion piece explores the value of involving nurses in the development of policies and legislation related to assisted dying. It also analyses the potential implications of nurse involvement, offering key recommendations should the United Kingdom move towards legalisation. Drawing on lessons from countries where assisted dying has been legalised, this piece argues that nurses’ inclusion in the legalisation process is invaluable. Involving nurses could protect them from legal ambiguities present in other countries which lead to poorer practice and risk of prosecution and enhance team dynamics. In addition to improving patient experiences of assisted dying by nature of nurses’ emphasis on holistic care and patient advocacy. However, a boost in end-of-life care education, a cultural shift away from traditional hierarchies in healthcare and the physician-centredness of assisted dying, as well as workplace protections against psychological impacts are necessary for these benefits to materialise.