ETHICAL CODE OF THE DEATH DOULA
ETHICAL CODE OF THE DEATH DOULA
ETHICAL CODE OF THE DEATH DOULA
Public Organisation “Death Doula” / Death Doula Organisation
Approved by decision of the Council of the Death Doula Organisation
This Ethical Code of the Death Doula (the “Code”) elaborates on and develops the provisions of the International Charter of the Death Doula Profession (the “Charter”) and is mandatory for specialists who hold Active Specialist Status and practise under the auspices of the Public Organisation “Death Doula” / Death Doula Organisation (the “Organisation”).
The purpose of the Code is to ensure a shared understanding of ethical principles and standards of conduct in day-to-day professional practice and to provide practical guidance for resolving complex ethical situations.
The Code applies together with the Charter and other mandatory documents of the Unified Professional Regulation System (UPRS). In the event of any conflict between this Code and the Charter, the Charter prevails.
SECTION 1. CORE ETHICAL PRINCIPLES
1.1. Respect for dignity and personal autonomy
A Death Doula recognises and respects the inherent worth of every person, their right to self-determination, and their own values and preferences.
The Doula does not impose personal views, manipulate, or pressure the Supported Person into any decision.
1.2. Non-maleficence
All of the Doula’s activities are directed toward minimising harm, including emotional, psychological and spiritual harm.
The Doula recognises the power and influence they may hold in the Supported Person’s vulnerable situation and avoids any action that may cause harm.
1.3. Confidentiality
All information obtained from the Supported Person and their loved ones during support is strictly confidential.
Disclosure is permitted only with the Supported Person’s explicit, voluntary and informed consent, except in cases and only to the extent expressly provided for by applicable law.
1.4. Professional honesty and transparency
The Doula honestly represents their education, qualifications, experience, competencies, professional scope and current professional status.
An Education Certificate confirms successful completion of the relevant level of training and acquisition of the qualification and has no expiry date. The current right to practise under the auspices of the Organisation is confirmed by Active Specialist Status (Admission to Practice). The Organisation does not issue a separate professional certificate that simultaneously confirms education and the right to practise.
The Doula clearly explains to the Supported Person the nature, objectives, duration and conditions of the services, including financial arrangements.
1.5. Cultural, religious and worldview sensitivity
The Doula respects the cultural, religious, spiritual and philosophical views of the Supported Person and their loved ones.
The Doula seeks to understand the Supported Person’s cultural context and, where necessary, consults relevant experts.
In the professional role of a Death Doula, the Doula does not perform ritual or religious functions. If the specialist independently holds an appropriate religious status or authority, such activity may be undertaken only as a separate role, clearly distinguished from professional Death Doula support. It must not be presented as a function of the Doula and must not involve pressure, the imposition of beliefs, or the mixing of professional roles.
1.6. Professional boundaries
The Doula maintains clear, professional and respectful boundaries in relationships with the Supported Person and their loved ones.
Romantic, intimate and sexual relationships with the Supported Person and their loved ones are prohibited during support and for one year after it ends.
The Doula avoids dual, business, property, financial and other relationships that may impair professional judgement, create a conflict of interest or jeopardise the Supported Person’s wellbeing. Such relationships are not automatically subject to the one-year prohibition applicable to romantic, intimate and sexual relationships and are governed by conflict-of-interest and professional-boundary rules.
The Doula does not accept an inheritance, substantial material benefit or gifts of significant material value from the Supported Person or their loved ones. Symbolic gifts and tokens of appreciation are permitted provided they do not create dependency or a conflict of interest. No fixed universal monetary threshold is established.
SECTION 2. PRACTICAL ETHICAL STANDARDS IN WORK WITH THE SUPPORTED PERSON
2.1. Beginning support: informed consent
Before support begins, the Doula must obtain the Supported Person’s voluntary and informed consent (or that of their legal representative) to the provision of services.
Consent must include an understanding of the objectives, methods, duration, payment terms, limits of confidentiality and potential risks of support.
2.2. Record-keeping (documentation)
The Doula keeps professional records of interactions with the Supported Person as necessary to ensure the quality and continuity of support.
Records are stored confidentially and securely in accordance with the Organisation’s Privacy and Personal Data Processing Policy, the purposes of processing and applicable law.
2.3. End-of-life discussion and planning
The Doula may facilitate discussion of the Supported Person’s wishes regarding the end of life but does not provide legal or medical advice.
The Doula encourages the Supported Person to seek appropriate advice from lawyers (for wills, powers of attorney and similar matters) and healthcare professionals (for treatment planning).
2.4. Emotionally intense and crisis situations
The Doula recognises that strong emotional reactions may arise (sadness, anger, guilt) and provides a safe space for their expression within the boundaries of the professional role.
The Doula does not use therapeutic techniques that require psychotherapeutic qualifications and, where necessary, recommends that the Supported Person consult a psychologist, psychiatrist or other appropriate specialist.
Where there is active suicide risk, ordinary support is suspended. The Doula does not assume the functions of a crisis professional, psychiatrist or healthcare professional, but within their competence and the specific circumstances facilitates the Supported Person’s safe contact with an appropriate specialist, crisis or emergency service.
The fact that a Supported Person is experiencing or has experienced violence is not, in itself, an automatic basis for ending support. Support may continue where the Doula’s professional role is maintained and the interaction can take place safely. Where there is a genuine threat to safety, the Doula may suspend support and recommend appropriate specialist support.
2.5. Ending support
The Doula plans the ending of support together with the Supported Person, ensuring a gradual conclusion and, where necessary, transition to other professionals.
The Doula does not leave the Supported Person in a crisis situation without facilitating access to available alternative or specialist support within the limits of the Doula’s competence and capabilities.
SECTION 3. ETHICAL STANDARDS IN RELATIONSHIPS WITH COLLEAGUES AND OTHER PROFESSIONALS
3.1. Respect for colleagues
The Doula treats colleagues with respect regardless of their level of experience, qualifications or affiliation with other organisations.
Criticism of colleagues is expressed constructively and without harming the reputation of the profession.
3.2. Interdisciplinary collaboration
When working in a team with doctors, nurses, psychologists, social workers and other professionals, the Doula clearly identifies their role and respects the roles of others.
The Doula facilitates open communication among all those involved in supporting the Supported Person while complying with confidentiality requirements.
3.3. Supervision and mentoring
The Doula regularly participates in supervision to improve the quality of their work and to care for their professional and emotional wellbeing.
A Doula acting as a supervisor or mentor does so responsibly and provides a safe and supportive learning environment.
SECTION 4. RESOLVING ETHICAL DILEMMAS AND BREACHES
4.1. Approach to ethical dilemmas
When an ethical dilemma arises, the Doula must:
- identify the ethical principles involved;
- consider possible courses of action and their consequences;
- consult a supervisor, the Organisation’s Ethics Committee or colleagues while preserving confidentiality;
- document the decision-making process.
4.2. Action when a breach is identified
If a Doula becomes aware of a colleague’s breach of ethical standards, the Doula should consider discussing it with the colleague where doing so is appropriate and safe.
If the breach is serious or cannot be appropriately resolved between colleagues, the Doula must report it in accordance with the Organisation’s procedures, including referral to the Ethics Committee in the manner established by the relevant internal regulations.
4.3. Confidentiality in the review of breaches
All participants in the review of an ethical breach must maintain confidentiality to the maximum extent compatible with an objective review, the protection of participants’ rights and compliance with applicable law.
4.4. Relationship between the Code and disciplinary procedure
This Code defines ethical duties and standards of professional conduct but does not establish a detailed disciplinary procedure.
Detailed procedures for submitting and reviewing complaints, conducting disciplinary proceedings, applying disciplinary measures, appeals and restoration of professional status are established by the Regulations on the Ethics Committee and other approved internal regulations of the Organisation.
A breach of the mandatory provisions of this Code may constitute grounds for professional responsibility measures after review in accordance with the established procedure under the Charter and other mandatory UPRS documents.
SECTION 5. FINAL PROVISIONS
5.1. Entry into force and amendments
This Code enters into force after approval by the Council of the Death Doula Organisation.
Amendments to the Code are made in accordance with the Charter and the procedure for adopting and amending normative documents approved by the Organisation.
5.2. Relationship with other documents
This Code forms part of the Organisation’s open Unified Professional Regulation System and applies together with the Charter, the Professional Practice Standards, the Educational Standard, policies, regulations, provisions and other normative documents approved by the Organisation.
In the event of a conflict between this Code and the Charter, the Charter applies.
5.3. Mandatory compliance
Compliance with this Code is mandatory for specialists who hold Active Specialist Status and practise under the auspices of the Organisation.
A breach of the mandatory provisions of the Code may constitute grounds for professional responsibility measures in accordance with the Charter, the Regulations on the Ethics Committee and other applicable UPRS documents after review under the established procedure.