Assisted Suicide

A palliative care consultant has been asked by a clinical colleague to speak to a woman in her 60s. Sue has a progressive neurological condition and she now has limited verbal communication, worsening mobility and some elements of dementia. Her life expectancy is around 4 years. Sue is frustrated by her condition and the prospect of her future deteriorating health and reliance on her husband. She says to the palliative care consultant, that she has been in contact with Switzerland and intends to go there for assisted suicide. Her husband and two adult children oppose this but are prepared to go with her if there is no way of changing her mind. Sue has rejected all other forms of counseling and the palliative care consultant feels that he should not abandon Sue but rather provide a sounding board for her thoughts and offer support for her family.

• What support can the palliative care consultant offer Sue?
• Are Sue’s children at risk of prosecution if they take her to Switzerland for assisted suicide?
• Should assisted suicide be lawful?

Apply Theory (Specific Professional Healthcare Competencies + Clinical Medical Ethical Principles) to Practice in order to provide Optimal Patient-Centered Care (OPCC)