Unexpected Illnesses and Death

Death is a term that causes many people to cringe. However, it is a word that will always be a part of our lives, and it has no age preference. While watching The Future of Aging, I noticed several of the people being interviewed stated that they would whether die than become a burden to their families. According to the NASW's website, "End-of-life care is not a new arena for social workers who historically have provided care for dying individuals and their families in a variety of settings." (https://www.socialworkers.org/research/naswResearch/EndofLifeCare/default.asp)

As a child, I remember believing that only "old people" died. I lost my grandfather first, then his brother passed away about two years after him, and then my grandmother's brother-in-law passed a few years after him. When I think about it, they were actually pretty young. They were all in their 60's. All of these men’s wives are still alive; their husbands passed in the 80's. I had not experience a close death since then until two years ago, and she was only 24 when she died. I was devastated, frustrated, depressed... I went through the 7 stages of grief in one day because I literally had no clue on what to do. She was my best friend; in a time such as that, I would have called her. But she was no longer there. I couldn't eat or sleep. Imagine if she was someone's spouse or mother at such a young age...

About a week ago my co-worker's husband was diagnosed with leukemia. They are both under the age of 25 and are expecting their first child in December. This is not something that they had expected. Their faith is very strong, but if you would, please add them to your prayers.

Unexpected illnesses and life's endings are major life events for everyone. According to Csikai and Raymer, “Specialists in end of life care should possess generalist skills such as resource linkage, case management, and advocacy, as well as advanced skills such as conducting bioethics consultations, assessment and management of pain and suffering; and resolution of ethical problems in end of life care.” (2004). Which in turn causes for the NASW Code of Ethics to give “particular attention to the needs and empowerment of people who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty” (NASW Code of Ethics, 1999, p. 1). (https://www.socialworkers.org/research/naswResearch/EndofLifeCare/default.asp)

Client’s who are experiencing sudden illnesses, regardless of age, have rights as well. With this said and considering the Code of Ethics, I would like to know your opinion regarding SWs and euthanasia.
(Don't forget to check out the website!)