This article examines the current debate over the right to die, specific to the rational suicide of terminally ill patients. Literature is reviewed for information concerning historical end-of-life practices & the past acceptance of suicide. A case study of a terminally ill woman is presented to apply the history & philosophy to nursing care today. As more nursing care is delivered in patients’ homes, & the likelihood of facing this situation increases, the author calls for organizations to provide guidelines for nursing practice. (24 refs)