Euthanasia and assisted suicide: issues for social work practice

Whether or not the practices of euthanasia and assisted suicide are viable as societal options presents a challenging dilemma for social workers in health care settings. Social workers should prepare to discuss possible requests for information about these practices in the context of patient and family decision making in end-of-life situations. Along with awareness of definitions, current debate, federal, state, professional policies, other health care professionals' attitudes and practices, social workers must examine their own values, attitudes, and practices in this highly controversial area so that the profession may continue to enhance quality of life and protect vulnerable populations, such as the elderly. Keywords: Assisted suicide, ethics, euthanasia, health care, end-of-life issues, practice