Hospice and Palliative Social Work’s Ethical Challenge

Abstract

AbstractThis chapter explores the timely and multifaceted controversy surrounding the legalization of aid in dying (AID) in the United States, highlighting the clinical and ethical implications for hospice and palliative social workers. Though the debate about AID continues, legislation in several states has passed in the last decade with more pending. Currently, hospice and palliative social workers, along with their team members, are navigating the legal, ethical, and clinical complexities of this issue. This chapter examines the often value-laden terminology used in describing AID, current state AID laws and proposed legislation, professional organizations’ positions on AID, and agency and organizational policies and procedures related to AID. Ethical issues faced by social workers, particularly in relation to inequities and disparities in AID, and their preparedness to contend with AID in their practice are discussed. Implications for practice, policy, and research are provided.