Euthanasia and palliative psychology in end-of-life care

Abstract

Like many other disciplines, psychology has made a number of contributions to the continuing debate on voluntary euthanasia. The present paper describes a number of aspects of palliative care practice and argues that (a) good palliative care should consider the issue of euthanasia (b) psychologists have much to contribute to the consideration of euthanasia, for example in clarifying issues of autonomy; and (c) there is potential for a “palliative psychology” that could be of value in end-of-life care. Finally, consideration is given to the relationship between euthanasia and the society of which it is a part.