As a Registered Nurse, an end-of-life care mentor, soul midwife, and funeral celebrant, my passion for exploring the profound topic of assisted dying has been reignited. Witnessing the evolution of this conversation on a national and global scale has increased my curiosity into both sides of the argument, and varied opinions, that may bear influence as we travel this path.
My years of professional experience based on finding the evidence on which to base my practice feeds my natural investigative tendencies. In relation to assisted dying, I have a desire to explore and understand what differing groups of workers within our society feel about assisted dying and what makes them feel this way. The more I look at the intricate nature of this controversial issue, the more I feel there is so much more to discover.
I have staunchly stood against the notion of assisting another person to end their life. My arguments have always been to support the accessibility of high-quality individualised end-of-life care, believing that if compassionate, appropriate and timely intervention were available then people would simply not ask to die. This argument is naïve and does not consider the many complexities that dying people may feel.
Indeed, my own mum many years ago asked that if the time should ever arise when she no longer wanted to live, would I help her. To which, my somewhat arrogant reply was “no, never, it's illegal and it's not the answer”. I reflect on this with embarrassment as it was neither a kind nor a compassionate response.
I hope the years have made me wiser, and today I would be more willing to explore the reasons that may sit behind this request.
I have always advocated for people's choice, autonomy, and the right to make choices that I might feel unwise. I am now asking would this extend to supporting them with their choice if this was to access assisted dying, if and when it became legalised?
I am sure this is not only a dilemma for myself, both personally and professionally, but equally for many of my colleagues working across the many fields of practice that support people at end of life. Especially as the debate is gaining more momentum within local and national media, and the increased public awareness.
Recently (29th July 2024) Lord Falconer has submitted his Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults Bill to Westminster, and a similar Bill is being debated in Scotland, led by MSP Liam McArthur. Equally, both Jersey and the Isle of Man are going through this process.
Now more than ever this conversation needs to be had, and all sides of what is a highly emotive subject need to be debated.
Nurses have recently debated this topic at the Royal College of Nursing annual Congress and will develop specific pieces of work if and when the legislation develops.
However, it does not appear that any views have been sought from people who work within the roles that encompass the broad spectrum of end-of-life care companionship and advocacy.
In trying to find some answers to my questions, I developed a short and anonymous survey for people working (either paid or voluntarily) as end-of-life care Doulas/companions and Soul Midwives. 76 people responded from various countries, including some where assisted dying is legal. The results were interesting, as rightly, it seemed that, the main priority was to support and offer comfort to dying people no matter how they arrived at this point.
So, while some may feel that assisted dying should not be legal, if the law were to change many would still support the individual and their loved ones ( family and friends close to the person).
I take on board that the individuals answering the survey were not answering from a medical or nursing stance, where they might be involved in the complexity of prescribing, administering, or supporting self-administration, and therefore responses may likely be very different, based on a raft of personal and professional responsibilities, beliefs and values.
However, it does seem that the majority of respondents whose sole purpose is to offer comfort, compassion, and solace to the dying, did not raise too many concerns or worries in relation to helping and supported people who would choose to use assisted dying.
If you would like to share any thoughts Iwould be interested in hearing your views, email me at carolyndoyle111@gmail.com
To see the survey results, please follow the link.
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