Indian nurses' perspectives on euthanasia requests based on unbearable mental suffering
Poreddi Vijayalakshmi, Nikhil S Reddy, Chariya Anitha, Ngaizamoy Angelica, Sadananda Reddy Annapally, Anekal C AmareshaBackground/aims
Globally, euthanasia remains a deeply contested issue. Advances in medical technology can now prolong life significantly, sparking intense debates around patient autonomy, the right to die with dignity, and varying cultural, religious, ethical and legal approaches to end-of-life care. In India, research exploring nurses’ perspectives on euthanasia among individuals with mental illness remains limited. Therefore, this study aimed to examine mental health nurses’ perspectives on euthanasia based on unbearable mental suffering.
Methods
A descriptive cross-sectional survey was used to understand nurses’ knowledge, attitudes and roles in responding to patients’ requests for euthanasia based on unbearable mental distress. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire from randomly selected nurses (N=265) working in psychiatric units at a tertiary care centre.
Results
The findings revealed inadequate knowledge and skills among participants required to manage requests for euthanasia based on unbearable mental distress. Additionally, the majority of nurses (66.8%) opposed or expressed concern regarding these requests.
Conclusions
The findings highlighted significant gaps in nurses’ knowledge and skills, alongside predominantly cautious attitudes toward euthanasia based on unbearable mental suffering. These insights underscore the need for evidence-based training in end-of-life ethics, mental health law, capacity assessment and therapeutic communication, as well as clear institutional and professional guidelines.
Implications for practice
The results indicate a pressing need to develop and implement clear institutional guidelines and multidisciplinary support to help nurses respond ethically, consistently and compassionately to requests for euthanasia based on unbearable mental suffering.