The American Nurses’ Association has offered a draft policy document for public input until 8 November. The position statement opposes nurse participation in euthanasia and assisted suicide. Some of those opposed to the procedures remain concerned that the draft statement equates the provision of food and fluids with medical treatment that can be withdrawn from patients even if they are not dying. [Lifesite News]
It is possible in many jurisdictions to deliberately and legally cause the death of patients who are not otherwise dying or who are not near death by withholding assisted nutrition and hydration, if direction to do so is given by someone authorized to act on the patient’s behalf. Many consider this to be euthanasia, and health care workers who object to it may find themselves in a conflict of conscience in such situations.