end of life ethics Flashcards
what is the definition of active euthanasia?
X performs an action which ITSELF results in Y’s death
what is the definition of passive euthanasia?
X allows Y to die by withholding life prolonging treatment or withdrawing life prolonging treatment
what is the definition of voluntary euthanasia?
euthanasia when Y competently requests death himself
what is the definition of involuntary euthanasia?
death is against Y’s competent wishes although X permits or imposes death fro Y’s benefit
what is the definition of non-voluntary euthanasia?
euthanasia when Y is not competent to express a preference
what is the argument of CONSISTENCY for allowing active euthanasia?
suicide is legal for those who are ABLE
suicide should be legal for those who are disabled too?
what is the argument for active euthanasia in terms of passive to active?
passive euthanasia is legal, active euthanasia would be quicker and maybe less painful
what is the argument for active euthanasia from painkillers to lethal injections?
Doctrine of double effect is allowed so why is lethal injections so different?
what are the two ethical principles which could be argued for allowing active euthanasia?
autonomy: surely patients have the freedom of choice of treatment for themselves
beneficence: doctors have to act for the BENEFIT of there patients
what is the last argument given for allowing ACTIVE euthanasia?
benefits of regulation - policing occurs, doctors not left vulnerable
what are 5 arguments against allowing active euthanasia?
- respect for preserving all forms of human life
- palliative care removes patients reasons for wanting euthanasia
- exploitation/manipulation (people could exploit the weak)
- contrary to aims of medicine (doctor/patient relationship) (when a cure is not attainable it is the duty of the doctor to provide care)
- slippery slope (how easy is it to go from voluntary to involuntary)
what are the four terms allowing euthanasia in the netherlands?
- patient is INCURABLY ill
- patient is experiencing unbearable suffering
- patient has REQUESTED his life to be terminated
- terminaation is performed by the patients OWN DOCTOR
what are the terms which allow assisted suicide to be LEGAL in switzerland?
ONLY if the motive is unselfish (if the motives are selfish then it is ILLEGAL)
what are the two organisations in switzerland which help people to die?
EXIT
dignitas
what is the difference between euthanasia in switzerlan and the netherlands?
in the netherlands euthanasia has to be performed by the patients own doctor
in switzerland assisted suicide does not have to be performed by a physician
is euthanasia legal or illegal across the US no matter of state laws?
ILLEAGAL
what type of assisted suicde is legal in oregon?
physician assisted (note: it is not PERFORMED by the physician just ASSISTED)
what type of organ donation system does the UK currently operate?
an opt-in system
what re 6 reasons that potential donors do not become actual donors?
- tests for brainstem death not carried out
- refusal by relatives
- medical contraindication to donation
- relatives not asked about donation
- heart stopped beating before brainstem death
- organs offered but nor retrieved
what is the organ donation system in wales?
opt-in system - if you do nothing it is assumed you have no objection to donating your organs ‘deemed consent’
what is the Hospice movement (1967, Dame Cicely Saunders) based on?
‘a concept where there is a shift of emphasis from conventional care that focuses on QUANTITY of life to QUALITY of life’
the focus of care in the hospice (palliative care) is based on a HOLISTIC view of the person, in terms of what 5 main concerns?
physical emotional psychological spiritual social
what is there a focus on in palliative care?
PAIN management
how does the doctrine of double effect?
if you can forsee the possibility of death but do not INTEND it - you only act for the nenfit of the pateint
