Terms of reference and group objectives

The current climate of apparent disrespect for life in this country and the threat of euthanasia, gives urgent need to strengthen the voice of nurses who are opposed to euthanasia.
Opposed nurses will be those from whatever background of beliefs who consider euthanasia never to be an acceptable form of treatment or care nor a proper solution to a patient's problems.
Members of the multidisciplinary team are welcome to join this group, which was formally initiated in January 2001, in liaison with the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children and was incorporated as a division of the Society in 2004.

To be prepared to protect patients from people/practices aimed at killing them.
To maintain the historical nursing duty of care and respect for people, who may or may not be able to speak for themselves.
To offer a network of support and encouragement to nurses concerned about the threat to life of patients in their care/work environments.
To challenge the assertion that assisted nutrition and hydration, constitute medical treatment, considering assisted nutrition and hydration, in almost every case as a basic necessity of care, when required, appropriate and possible.
To continue the tradition and maintain the right of nurses to act as the patient's advocate with support from the profession.
To be answerable for actions and omissions regardless of advice or directions from another professional.*
To work against legalised euthanasia and promote humane, compassionate care alternatives.
To raise awareness of the Nursing & Midwifery Council's Code of Professional Conduct in relation to respect for people's rights.

* Nursing & Midwifery Council (2004) Revised Code of Professional Conduct. NMC: London.