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Factors Influencing Nurses' Participation in Voluntary-Assisted Dying: A National Cross-Sectional Study
Jayne Hewitt1,2, Ann Bonner1,3, Rachel Wardrop1
1School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia.
Journal of Advanced Nursing
|June 2, 2026
Summary
Many nurses are willing to participate in voluntary assisted dying (VAD) activities, driven by respect for autonomy and relief of suffering. However, legislative barriers in some Australian regions limit nurses
Area of Science:
- Nursing
- Medical Ethics
- Public Health Policy
Background:
- Voluntary assisted dying (VAD) is a complex ethical and legal issue.
- Understanding nurses' perspectives is crucial for effective VAD implementation and workforce planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the willingness of nurse practitioners (NPs) and registered nurses (RNs) to participate in VAD.
- To identify factors influencing their decision-making regarding VAD involvement.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional online survey was distributed to members of professional nursing organizations in Australia.
- Data were collected from April to August 2024 from 396 nursing professionals.
Main Results:
- Over two-thirds of participants (69.2%) supported VAD, with respect for rights and relief of suffering as primary motivators.
- A majority of NPs were willing to assess eligibility (82.1%) or prescribe VAD substances (79.5%) if legally permitted.
- Factors such as religion, age, and experience influenced participation reasons.
Conclusions:
- A significant proportion of Australian RNs and NPs are willing to engage in VAD activities.
- Legislative and policy frameworks in certain jurisdictions currently restrict nurses' roles in VAD.
- Revising nurses' roles within VAD frameworks could improve access to end-of-life care options.
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