Psychological perspectives on euthanasia and the terminally ill: An Australian Psychological Society discussion paper

The subject of euthanasia is a recurrent theme in public debate and one wit h significant psychological implications. This discussion paper is designed to assist in rational consideration of euthanasia from a psychological per spective, without itself taking a position on the debate. It first addresse s definitional issues and summarises common arguments in favour of and agai nst euthanasia, which cover ethical. legal, technical and spiritual domains . We note the paucity of research bearing on these arguments. Australian an d overseas research, focusing on attitudes towards euthanasia and on the re lationship of depression to attitudes, is reviewed. The current legal situa tion in various States and Territories in Australia is outlined, with parti cular attention to some psychological considerations which arose in relatio n to the short-lived Northern Territory Rights of the Terminally III Act (1 995). We analyse some of the multiple potential influences on the decision making of a person contemplating euthanasia, which result in the need for c arers to examine their own attitudes and feelings. Finally, we identify som e of the possible roles for psychologists in regard to the euthanasia debat e, including research, assessment, therapy and advocacy. We end with a call for psychologists to become more informed about and involved in this impor tant social policy issue.