Physician-Assisted Suicide, Euthanasia, and Counseling Ethics

Physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia are distinguished and discussed in the context of the counselor's role in helping terminal clients. An aging population coupled with the proposed legislation in many states to legalize physician- assisted suicide could mean these issues will become more paramount to the counseling profession. Potential ethical dilemmas are discussed using the biopsychosocial model, five pillars of ethics, and an existing health-care model as guidance.