Historical and contemporary issues in end-of-life decisions: implications for social work.
End-of-life circumstances have changed dramatically in recent years. In the past century life expectancy has increased by 62 percent and people are living longer with chronic illness. This article discusses evolving health practices and polices in end-of-life decisions. Treatments to prolong life and provide comfort, and interventions that hasten death, are discussed. Recent assisted suicide and euthanasia laws are analyzed and compared. Implications for social work and social work practitioners are addressed.
Mackelprang
Romel W
RW
School of Social Work, Eastern Washington University, Cheney, WA 99004, USA. rmackelprang@mail.ewu.edu
Mackelprang
Romel D
RD
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009426:Netherlands; D009922:Oregon; D010166:Palliative Care; D012947:Social Work; D017236:Suicide, Assisted; D013727:Terminal Care / Q000266:history / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence