INTERNATIONAL CHARTER OF THE DEATH DOULA PROFESSION

INTERNATIONAL CHARTER OF THE DEATH DOULA PROFESSION (DEATH DOULA CHARTER)

Public Organisation “Death Doula” / Death Doula Organisation

This International Charter of the Death Doula Profession (End-of-Life Doula, Death Doula) is the foundational international normative document of the Public Organisation “Death Doula”, establishing universal ethical and professional standards for specialists who support people and their families in situations involving the end of life and profound loss.

The Charter is intended to:

establish a shared understanding of the profession and its role in society;
protect the dignity, autonomy and rights of Supported Persons;
ensure a high standard and safety of non-medical support;
provide a basis for professional self-regulation, education and the development of an international professional community.

The Charter is based on the principles of respect for human rights, cultural diversity, professional integrity and non-maleficence. It is intended for application across different countries and cultures, provided that its spirit and key principles are respected.

1. GENERAL PROVISIONS

1.1. This Charter defines the professional, ethical and organisational foundations of the work of a Death Doula as a support specialist in situations involving the end of life, loss and profound life crises.

1.2. The Charter is the highest internal normative document within the Unified Professional Regulation System of the Public Organisation “Death Doula” and is binding on the persons and structures to which it applies under this Charter and other mandatory documents of the UPRS, including specialists who hold Active Specialist Status and practise under the auspices of the Organisation.

1.3. The Charter does not replace and does not take precedence over international treaties, national laws, medical, psychological, legal or social standards, and does not substitute for the work of appropriately qualified professionals.

1.4. Acceptance of and compliance with the Charter are mandatory conditions for obtaining and maintaining Active Specialist Status and for carrying out professional practice under the auspices of the Public Organisation “Death Doula”.

2. PROFESSIONAL IDENTITY OF THE DEATH DOULA

2.1. A Death Doula is a non-medical support specialist who provides emotional, informational, organisational, practical and ethical support to Supported Persons and their loved ones in situations connected with loss, the finitude of life and existential crises, including but not limited to:

approaching the end of life;
the dying process;
the death of a loved one;
sudden loss;
violent death;
the death of a loved one by suicide;
the death of a child;
dementia;
cancer and serious chronic illness;
war, forced migration and emigration;
loss of a former way of life;
divorce and family breakdown;
loss of significant relationships;
loss of companion animals;
loss of property, home, employment or social status;
loss of documents and a sense of safety;
other forms of profound personal and social loss.

2.1.1. Active suicide risk

A Death Doula does not provide ordinary professional support as a substitute for crisis, psychiatric or medical care in situations of active suicide risk.

Where active suicidal intent, active suicidal thoughts, a suicide attempt or another situation of active suicide risk is identified, ordinary support is suspended. A Death Doula does not conduct clinical assessment or diagnosis and does not assume the functions of a crisis professional, psychiatrist or other healthcare professional. The Death Doula recommends contacting appropriate medical, crisis or emergency services and, within the limits of their competence and the particular circumstances, assists with safe referral to appropriate professionals.

Suspension of ordinary support because of active suicide risk does not constitute an indefinite prohibition on further non-medical support after the active crisis has ended.

Support for the loved ones and relatives of people who have died by suicide is permitted, taking into account the heightened traumatic nature of this form of loss and the applicable ethical and professional standards.

2.2. The work of a Death Doula is directed toward preserving human dignity and personal autonomy and reducing additional psychological trauma.

3. PRINCIPLES OF PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE

The work of a Death Doula is based on the following principles:

Respect for human dignity, the uniqueness of each person’s life journey and each person’s right to experience loss in their own way.

The principle of cultural humility — recognising that the specialist is not the bearer of all cultural traditions and remaining willing to learn from the Supported Person and their community.

Voluntariness and informed consent for all forms of support, including the right to discontinue the interaction at any time without giving reasons.

Recognition of personal autonomy, values, beliefs, traditions and life choices.

Strict confidentiality and careful handling of personal, family and spiritual information.

Cultural, religious and worldview sensitivity, including respect for the customs, traditions, rituals and norms of the relevant community and family.

Respect for family systems, intergenerational relationships, roles and hierarchies without imposing the specialist’s own views.

Non-directive and non-coercive support that excludes pressure, manipulation, moral judgement or compulsion.

Professional integrity, transparency regarding the limits of competence, and refusal to make promises without a reasonable basis.

Respect for the personal, emotional, cultural and physical boundaries of the Supported Person and their loved ones.

Recognition of each person’s right to their own pace, manner of grieving and way of experiencing crisis.

Ethical neutrality in matters of religion, ideology, politics and personal worldview.

Non-discrimination on the grounds of sex, age, nationality, language, religion, health status, social status or life circumstances.

4. LIMITS OF PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE

4.1. In the professional role of a Death Doula, the specialist:

does not provide medical services;
does not conduct clinical or psychological diagnosis;
does not provide psychotherapy;
does not provide legal advice;
does not make financial decisions on behalf of the Supported Person;
does not perform ritual or religious functions;
does not replace doctors, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, lawyers or religious or spiritual professionals.

If a person who practises as a Death Doula independently holds an appropriate religious status or authority, religious or ritual activities may be undertaken only in a separate role that is clearly distinguished from professional Death Doula support. Such activities must not be presented as part of the professional functions of a Death Doula and must not be used to exert pressure, impose beliefs or blur professional roles.

4.2. A Death Doula provides support exclusively within the limits of their professional competence.

A Death Doula is not responsible for identifying medical, psychiatric, legal or other specialised conditions that require professional diagnosis.

If, during the interaction, signs of a physical, mental, social or legal threat to the Supported Person or their loved ones become apparent, the Death Doula must:

recommend contacting an appropriate professional;
provide information about possible forms of professional assistance;
with the consent of the Supported Person, assist with referral to appropriate services.

4.3. A Death Doula must not independently interpret symptoms, make a provisional diagnosis or give recommendations that fall outside the scope of non-medical support.

Any matters relating to treatment, medication, psychiatric care, legal decisions or social benefits fall exclusively within the competence of appropriately qualified professionals.

5. ETHICAL RESTRICTIONS AND PROHIBITIONS

5.1. In order to protect Supported Persons, their loved ones and the professional reputation of the Death Doula, the following are strictly prohibited in professional practice:

entering into romantic, intimate or sexual relationships with Supported Persons or their loved ones during the period of support and for one year after it ends;
creating financial, emotional or psychological dependence of the Supported Person on the Death Doula;
accepting inheritance, gifts of significant material value, property rights or other forms of material benefit beyond the agreed payment for services;
providing services while under the influence of alcohol, narcotics or other psychoactive substances;
exploiting the vulnerable condition of a Supported Person for personal, commercial, ideological or religious purposes;
imposing the Death Doula’s own views, beliefs, spiritual practices, political positions or life decisions on the Supported Person;
manipulating the emotions, fears, guilt or dependency of the Supported Person;
involving Supported Persons or their loved ones in the Death Doula’s own projects, business initiatives, civic organisations or religious structures;
using the stories of Supported Persons, personal information, images, audio or video materials without documented consent;
presenting the professional role of a Death Doula as medical, psychotherapeutic, legal or spiritual;
making decisions on behalf of the Supported Person or exerting pressure with the aim of changing their wishes.

Symbolic gifts and tokens of appreciation are permitted provided that they are not of significant material value, do not create dependency or a conflict of interest, and are not a form of concealed material benefit. No universal fixed monetary threshold is established for determining symbolic value.

5.2. A Death Doula must avoid any form of dual or conflicting relationship that may affect objectivity, professional distance or the safety of support.

Such relationships include, in particular:

family relationships;
business relationships;
property relationships;
financial relationships;
political relationships;
religious relationships;
relationships of social dependency.

If such a conflict of interest arises, the Death Doula must inform the Organisation and consider transferring the case to another specialist.

5.3. A Death Doula must not practise in circumstances that create a real threat to the safety of the Supported Person, their loved ones or the Death Doula, including threats, coercion, dangerous pressure from third parties or other circumstances in which safe support is not possible.

The fact that a Supported Person is experiencing or has experienced violence is not in itself a basis for automatically refusing support. Support may continue if the Death Doula remains within the limits of professional competence and the interaction can be conducted safely.

If unsafe conditions arise, the Death Doula may suspend support, seek consultation from a supervisor or the Organisation and, where possible, recommend appropriate forms of specialist support.

6. WORKING WITH COMPLEX AND CRISIS SITUATIONS

6.1. General principles of response

In situations of heightened emotional, social, legal or medical complexity, a Death Doula acts on the basis of the following principles:

priority of the safety of the Supported Person and their loved ones;
respect for personal autonomy and wishes;
minimisation of additional harm;
reliance on professional standards;
mandatory use of supervision.

A Death Doula does not assume crisis-response, medical-response or law-enforcement functions.

6.2. Family conflict and pressure

Where conflict, disagreement or pressure affecting the Supported Person arises between family members, the Death Doula:

maintains a neutral position;
does not take the side of one party;
does not participate in escalation of the conflict;
facilitates constructive dialogue within the limits of their competence;
where necessary, recommends the involvement of mediators, psychologists or social services.

6.3. Conflicts of values, religion and traditions

In situations involving religious, cultural or worldview differences among participants in the support process, the Death Doula:

respects everyone’s right to their own beliefs;
does not impose personal views;
acts in the interests of the Supported Person;
seeks ethically acceptable compromises;
may decline or discontinue support where constructive work is not possible.

6.4. Concealment of information and complex ethical requests

Where the Supported Person or their loved ones ask for information to be concealed, distort facts or seek to involve the Death Doula in unethical conduct, the Death Doula:

refuses to participate in a violation of the Supported Person’s rights;
acts in accordance with the principles of transparency and non-maleficence;
seeks supervision where necessary.

6.5. Psychiatric conditions, dependency and suicide risk

Where signs of severe mental-health conditions, dependency or suicide risk are identified, the Death Doula:

does not independently interpret the condition;
refrains from providing medical advice;
recommends contacting appropriately qualified professionals;
within the limits of their competence, assists the person in obtaining appropriate help.

In situations of active suicide risk, ordinary support is suspended. A Death Doula does not replace crisis services or psychiatric care and does not assume their functions, but within the limits of their capabilities assists the Supported Person in safely contacting an appropriate service or professional. Suspension of ordinary support does not mean that the Supported Person should be left without assistance in accessing appropriate crisis care.

6.6. Violence, threats and legal risks

Where physical, psychological, sexual or economic violence is suspected, the Death Doula:

does not encourage concealment of the violence;
informs the Supported Person, within the limits of the Death Doula’s competence, about possible forms of specialist protection and support;
acts with regard to the safety and autonomy of the Supported Person;
may continue non-medical support where the interaction remains safe and consistent with the professional role;
where necessary, suspends or ends support if the conditions of interaction create a real safety risk or fall outside the limits of professional competence.

A Death Doula does not perform the functions of investigators or law-enforcement authorities.

6.7. Work in emergency situations

In situations of war, emergencies, epidemics, mass disasters and migration crises, the Death Doula:

takes into account the heightened vulnerability of Supported Persons;
adapts forms of support;
follows the recommendations of competent authorities;
acts within the limits of the professional role.

6.8. Mandatory supervision

In all cases of heightened complexity, emotional strain or ethical uncertainty, a Death Doula must:

seek professional supervision;
document complex cases in accordance with the established procedure;
use the support available through the professional community.

7. INTERACTION WITH PUBLIC AND SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS

7.1. A Death Doula respects the competence, powers and professional functions of the following organisations and institutions:

medical institutions and healthcare services;
social services and social protection authorities;
law-enforcement authorities;
judicial authorities;
guardianship and child or adult protection authorities;
religious and spiritual institutions;
other public and civil-society bodies working in the field of public support.

A Death Doula does not substitute for the activities of these organisations and does not interfere with their professional competence.

7.2. Interaction with public and social institutions is carried out:

exclusively in accordance with applicable law;
in compliance with the principles of confidentiality;
with due regard for the interests, wishes and rights of the Supported Person;
with the consent of the Supported Person, except in cases expressly provided for by applicable law.

7.3. A Death Doula does not disclose to third parties personal data, information about health, family circumstances or the private life of the Supported Person without their consent, except in cases and only to the extent expressly provided for by applicable law, and in accordance with the Organisation’s Privacy and Personal Data Processing Policy.

7.4. If representatives of public or social authorities approach a Death Doula, the Death Doula must:

act within the limits of professional competence;
refrain from providing assessments that fall outside the scope of non-medical support;
consult the Organisation or a supervisor where necessary.

7.5. A Death Doula must not use their professional position to exert pressure on public, judicial, medical or religious institutions or to interfere with official procedures.

7.6. Where the interests of the Supported Person, the requirements of public authorities and ethical standards conflict, the Death Doula follows the following order of priority:

mandatory norms of international law and human rights;
the applicable law of the country;
the provisions of this Charter;
the recommendations of the professional Organisation.

8. RIGHTS, PROFESSIONAL PROTECTION AND SUPPORT OF THE DEATH DOULA

8.1. A Death Doula has the right:

to regular individual and group supervision;
to methodological, professional and ethical support from the Organisation;
to refuse to accept or continue a support engagement in cases of:
a threat to personal safety;
breach of professional boundaries;
conflict of interest;
absence of the conditions necessary for quality work;
a request from the Supported Person that falls outside the Death Doula’s professional competence;
to protect their rights and legitimate interests when complaints, conflicts or claims are considered;
to confidentiality regarding their professional practice;
to respectful, non-discriminatory and safe treatment by Supported Persons, their loved ones and representatives of organisations;
to receive complete information about complaints and disciplinary procedures;
to participate in continuing education, professional development and burnout-prevention programmes.

8.2. A Death Doula may suspend or end support in cases of:

systematic breach of agreed arrangements by the Supported Person or people around them;
pressure, threats, blackmail, manipulation or attempts at control;
attempts to involve the Death Doula in unlawful, unethical or dangerous conduct;
absence of conditions necessary for professional and personal safety;
pronounced emotional, physical or psychological exhaustion that prevents high-quality support;
loss of the ability to maintain professional distance and neutrality.

Suspension or termination of support must be carried out in accordance with the principles of professional responsibility and respect for the Supported Person and, where possible, with a recommendation of alternative forms of support.

8.3. Professional responsibility and support

The Organisation provides the Death Doula with:

access to a system of professional supervision;
consultative support in complex, conflictual or ethically ambiguous situations;
support during the consideration of complaints and claims;
protection of professional reputation within established procedures;
assistance in resolving conflicts with Supported Persons and institutions.

8.4. Professional liability insurance

A valid professional liability insurance policy is a mandatory condition for obtaining and maintaining Active Specialist Status and practising under the auspices of the Public Organisation “Death Doula”. Valid insurance coverage must be confirmed annually in accordance with the Educational Standard and other normative documents of the Organisation.

Insurance coverage is regarded as an element of responsible and sustainable professional practice.

8.5. Professional wellbeing

A Death Doula must:

recognise the risks of professional burnout and secondary traumatisation;
seek supervision and support in a timely manner;
maintain an appropriate balance between professional activity and personal life;
refrain from practice when experiencing significant emotional exhaustion.

The Organisation promotes a culture of care for the psychological and emotional wellbeing of specialists.

9. PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION, STATUS AND DEVELOPMENT

9.1. A Death Doula must:

undertake regular continuing professional development;
participate in supervision;
comply with the Educational Standard and other mandatory requirements of the Unified Professional Regulation System.

9.2. The Education Certificate confirms successful completion of the relevant stage of the educational programme of the Public Organisation “Death Doula” and acquisition of the qualification defined by the Educational Standard. The Education Certificate has no expiry date and, by itself, does not confirm a current right to practise professionally under the auspices of the Organisation.

Active Specialist Status (Admission to Practice) confirms the specialist’s current right to practise under the auspices of the Public Organisation “Death Doula” in accordance with their qualification level. The Status is granted and renewed in accordance with the Educational Standard and the current requirements of the Unified Professional Regulation System.

The Organisation does not provide a separate professional certificate that simultaneously confirms education and the right to practise.

10. RESPONSIBILITY AND DISCIPLINARY MEASURES

10.1. Grounds for professional responsibility

Violation of mandatory requirements of this Charter, the Death Doula Code of Ethics, the Professional Practice Standards and other mandatory documents of the Unified Professional Regulation System may constitute grounds for professional responsibility measures.

Such violations include, in particular:

exceeding professional competence;
breach of confidentiality principles;
abuse of the trust of a Supported Person;
breach of established ethical prohibitions;
causing professional, psychological or reputational harm to a Supported Person;
knowingly providing false information about one’s qualifications or professional status;
other conduct incompatible with the mandatory requirements of the Unified Professional Regulation System.

10.2. Types of disciplinary measures

Depending on the nature, seriousness and consequences of the violation, the following disciplinary measures may be applied:

a formal warning;
mandatory supervision or additional education;
temporary restriction of the scope or conditions of professional practice while Active Specialist Status remains in force;
temporary suspension of Active Specialist Status;
termination of Active Specialist Status with removal of the specialist from the Organisation’s Register of Active Specialists.

Measures are applied in accordance with the principle of proportionality and the individual circumstances of each case.

The Education Certificate is not suspended or revoked as a disciplinary measure because it confirms completion of the relevant education and acquisition of the qualification.

10.3. Procedure for considering violations

A professional investigation is a procedural stage in the consideration of a possible violation and is not a disciplinary measure.

Complaints, applications and reports of possible violations are considered in accordance with the procedure established by the Organisation and the following principles:

objectivity;
impartiality;
confidentiality;
presumption of good faith on the part of the specialist;
protection of the rights of all participants in the process.

The disciplinary procedure includes:

registration of the submission;
preliminary assessment of whether there are sufficient grounds;
collection of information and explanations;
consideration of the case by the competent body of the Organisation;
adoption of a reasoned decision.

10.4. Rights of a Death Doula in disciplinary proceedings

During consideration of a disciplinary matter, a Death Doula has the right:

to be informed in a timely manner of the allegations or claims made against them;
to receive information about the substance of the allegations;
to provide written and oral explanations;
to submit evidence and testimony;
to receive support from the Organisation or an adviser;
to appeal a decision in accordance with the established procedure.

10.5. Relationship with the Code of Ethics and procedural regulations

This Charter establishes general principles of professional responsibility, possible disciplinary measures and core procedural guarantees.

Detailed procedures for submitting and considering complaints, conducting disciplinary proceedings, applying measures, appeals and restoration of professional status are established by the Regulations on the Ethics Committee and other approved internal regulations of the Organisation.

The Death Doula Code of Ethics establishes ethical duties and standards of conduct and is applied together with this Charter, but does not replace detailed disciplinary procedure.

11. SYSTEM OF NORMATIVE DOCUMENTS AND INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION

11.1. This Charter is at the top of the hierarchy of internal normative documents of the Public Organisation “Death Doula” / Death Doula Organisation (the “Organisation”). The Unified Professional Regulation System (UPRS) is an open system and includes, in particular:

this Charter;
the Death Doula Code of Ethics;
the Professional Practice Standards;
the Educational Standard;
policies, regulations and provisions of the Organisation;
other normative documents approved by the Organisation.

The list of documents comprising the UPRS is not exhaustive.

11.2. The provisions of this Charter have the highest internal normative force. In the event of any conflict between this Charter and other UPRS documents, or with internal rules of national branches or partner organisations, the provisions of this Charter prevail. Any interpretation of applicable norms must favour compliance with the principles of the Charter.

11.3. All UPRS documents are developed, reviewed and updated in strict accordance with the spirit and letter of this Charter. Amendments that conflict with the Charter are not permitted.

11.4. Compliance with this Charter and applicable mandatory UPRS documents is an unconditional obligation for:

all specialists who hold Active Specialist Status;
trainers and supervisors of the Organisation;
national representative bodies and partner organisations operating under the Organisation’s brand or standards.

A violation may constitute grounds for the application of appropriate responsibility measures within the competence of the Organisation and in accordance with Section 10 (in relation to specialists) and other applicable UPRS documents.

11.5. International status and adaptation

11.5.1. This Charter is the foundational international normative document of the Public Organisation “Death Doula”. The Organisation encourages voluntary adoption of its principles by professional communities, educational institutions and organisations worldwide. This wording does not confer on the Charter the status of an external international, state or sectoral standard accredited or recognised as such by any third-party institution.

11.5.2. For application in particular countries, the Organisation may develop and issue National Annexes to the Charter. Such annexes may specify procedural matters with regard to local law and cultural and religious norms, but may not abolish or weaken the key principles and ethical prohibitions set out in this Charter.

11.5.3. In the event of a conflict between this Charter and mandatory provisions of the national law of the country of practice, the specialist must comply with the law and must promptly inform the Organisation of the conflict so that a coordinated position may be developed.

12. FINAL PROVISIONS

12.1. Name and version

The full title of the document is “International Charter of the Death Doula Profession (Death Doula Charter)”. The document has a version number (for example, 1.0). The date of approval is indicated in the approval block.

12.2. Entry into force

The Charter enters into force upon approval by the Board of the Public Organisation “Death Doula”. Information about its approval is published on the Organisation’s official website.

12.3. Language and translations

The Ukrainian and English texts of the Charter are official and authentic. For international application, if there is a substantive discrepancy between language versions, the English text prevails as the controlling text. Official translations into other languages may be approved by the Organisation and used as approved language versions, but in the event of discrepancies in international application they do not alter the priority of the English text.

12.4. Amendment procedure

Amendments to the Charter are adopted by decision of the Board of the Public Organisation “Death Doula” following open consultation with the professional community and in accordance with the Organisation’s separate regulation governing the adoption and amendment of normative documents. Amendments affecting key principles (Sections 2 and 3) and ethical prohibitions (Section 5) require a special procedure and approval by a qualified majority in accordance with that regulation. The specific procedure and required number of votes are determined by that regulation.

12.5. Publication and distribution

The Charter is a public document. It is made openly available on the Organisation’s official website and may be freely distributed for familiarisation, quotation and use for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the source is acknowledged. Commercial use of the text of the Charter requires the Organisation’s written permission.

12.6. Contact information

Questions relating to the interpretation or application of the Charter or to cooperation should be addressed to the secretariat of the Public Organisation “Death Doula” through the official contact channels specified on the website.

12.7. Applicable law and dispute resolution

Matters relating to the internal approval, governance and application of this Charter by the Public Organisation “Death Doula” are governed by the laws of Ukraine. A specialist’s professional activity in a particular country must be carried out in compliance with the applicable law of the country of practice and any mandatory provisions that apply. Internal professional disputes concerning the application of the Charter and other UPRS documents are to be resolved through negotiation and, if no agreement is reached, in accordance with the procedures established by the Organisation’s internal regulations. The Organisation may establish regional ethics committees within their defined competence and with due regard to applicable law.

12.8. Acceptance of this Charter and other mandatory UPRS documents is a condition for obtaining and maintaining Active Specialist Status. Documentary confirmation of such acceptance is provided in accordance with the Declaration of Adherence and Professional Agreement.

When a new mandatory version of the Charter or another UPRS document enters into force, a specialist who has not accepted it in accordance with the established procedure may not, after completion of the applicable procedure, continue professional activity under a current Active Specialist Status.