4.6 Euthanasia

Question 1

What is the difference between voluntary and non-voluntary euthanasia?

Answer 1

Voluntary - when the person who wishes to die takes action to do so
Non-voluntary - when the person who wants to die cannot communicate their wishes so the next of kin does so

Question 2

What is the difference between active and passive euthanasia?

Answer 2

Active - When a medical professional deliberately ends a patient’s life
Passive - When a medical professional refrains from giving a patient medical treatment in order for them to die

Question 3

What are some arguments for euthanasia?

Answer 3

• If someone is in constant pain they should be relieved of it
• We cannot decide how others lead their lives, God gave us all freewill
• Everyone should have the right to a dignified death
• Medical costs are expensive to keep a terminally ill person alive

Question 4

What are some arguments against euthanasia?

Answer 4

• We have the moral obligation to preserve all human life
• Human life is precious, a gift from God
• God would not give us troubles that we cannot handle
• Only the creator has the authority to end life
• Could lead to involuntary euthanasia
• Legalizing euthanasia could make the sick feel pressured to end their lives in order to not be a burden
• Hospice care could be an alternative

Question 5

What is palliative care?

Answer 5

Medical care that provides terminally ill people with relief from their symptoms, pain and stress