A Reexamination of Euthanasia: Issues Raised by “Final Exit”

The debate over euthanasia continues to be a concern for nurses & consumers of health care. The publication of “Final Exit”, a book addressing euthanasia & how to commit suicide, has stirred much controversy. The authors present an examination of the current legal, religious, & professional issues surrounding euthanasia. Nursing implications are described in relation to caring for terminally ill patients & responding to patients’ need for information & possible requests for assisted suicide.