Euthanasia: The Ethical and Professional Perspective of Nursing

Abstract

Euthanasia remains one of the most debated ethical issues in healthcare, particularly for nurses providing direct care to patients at the end of life. In Albania, as in many countries, legislation does not explicitly regulate euthanasia, creating moral and legal ambiguity for healthcare professionals. Nurses face the dual responsibility of alleviating patient suffering while preserving life, often resulting in moral distress and ethical dilemmas. This study aimed to explore the ethical, legal, and professional challenges nurses encounter in providing end-of-life care where euthanasia is prohibited or unregulated. A systematic literature review was conducted, analyzing peer reviewed studies from the last 15 years addressing nursing perspectives, ethical challenges, and moral distress in end-of-life care. Findings revealed frequent conflicts between patient autonomy and institutional policies, leading to significant moral distress. Lack of structured ethical education further exacerbated these challenges. Comparative insights from countries with legalized euthanasia demonstrate that clear ethical guidelines, professional training, and institutional support reduce moral distress and help nurses navigate complex ethical decisions while maintaining patient dignity. The study emphasizes integrating legal, ethical, and professional considerations into nursing practice, focusing on patient-centered care and policy frameworks that support ethically sound decision-making. Enhancing education and establishing supportive policies can empower nurses to provide compassionate, ethically informed care, ultimately improving the quality of end-of-life care and safeguarding both patient dignity and professional integrity.