[Living with dignity until the end].

Abstract

The author of this article tackles some end-of-life issues and presents his thoughts on euthanasia and assisted suicide. He defends the idea of "living with dignity to the end," and sees death itself as a natural process that the client does not always want shortened. Drawing on experience from his palliative care practice the author establishes a link between heroic measures, pain alleviation and false hope. He also encourages ethical debates by framing questions common to the daily work of nurses. The author has unprecedented insight into the nurse's role as an observer of change in the condition of the dying person and her/his interpretation of the needs, fears, happiness and concerns of that person. The author also promotes professional collaboration, without prejudice or discrimination, and the alleviation of pain using the endiess range of palliative precautions. His approach to end-of-life offers a message of hope to the living.