Abstract

Social workers play critical roles in supporting individuals and families at the most significant life stages, including birth and death. This presentation will explore the phenomenon of moral distress experienced by social workers undertaking pre-birth assessments and working with end-of-life care. Drawing on qualitative data from two separate studies in England, this paper examines how resource constraints, austerity measures, and systemic pressures affect the ability of social workers to act in alignment with their ethical and professional values. Despite the distinct knowledge and skills required for these areas of practice, common themes emerged, particularly regarding the emotional toll of working within underfunded and stretched systems. Participants reported frustration, sadness, and ethical conflict when unable to provide the support they deemed appropriate due to structural limitations, further exacerbating the challenges of these sensitive and critical areas of practice.

The findings highlight the need for policy reform to address systemic underfunding and promote preventative interventions. Implications for practice underscore the importance of fostering supportive work environments and enhancing resources to mitigate moral distress. By synthesizing data from pre-birth assessments and end-of-life care, this re-analysis of findings provides new insights into the shared experiences of social workers navigating the complexities of resource scarcity and ethical decision-making at opposite ends of the lifecourse.

Keywords: Austerity, resources, moral distress, pre-birth assessment, end-of-life care