Safeguarding choice at the end of life

Résumé

This editorial discuses Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide (EAS). There are two separate justifications for EAS. The first of these is based on the autonomy of competent patients, on their right to make important decisions about their own lives. The second justification for EAS is based on the interests of a patient, and a concern that continued life for some individuals may be so extraordinarily and intensely unpleasant that it would be better for them to die. The second justification for EAS becomes highly relevant. Patients with severe treatment-resistant depression may be in a worse position than patients with a terminal illness and severe physical suffering. Other papers in this issue also address the relationship between palliative care and EAS. As the papers in this issue highlight, there are major differences in approach to end of life care internationally. This represents a considerable challenge, but also a tremendous opportunity. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved) EUTHANASIE SUICIDE-ASSISTÉ FIN-DE-VIE AUTONOMIE SOUFFRANCE-PHYSIQUE SOUFFRANCE-PSYCHOLOGIQUE SOIN-PALLIATIF ÉTHIQUE