A reexamination of euthanasia: issues raised by Final Exit

The debate over euthanasia continues to be a concern for nurses and consumers of health care. The recent publication of Final Exit, a book addressing euthanasia and how to commit suicide, has stirred much controversy. The authors present an examination of the current legal, religious, and professional issues surrounding euthanasia. Nursing implications are described in relation to caring for terminally ill patients and responding to patients' need for information and possible requests for assisted suicide.