Ethics at the End of Life Flashcards
What is the hospice movement based on?
A change of focus from quantity of life to the commitment of care which enhances the quality of life
What is Euthanasia?
Where X intentially kills Y or permits Y’s death for Y’s benefit
What is active euthanasia?
When X preforms an action which results in Y’s Death
What is passive euthanasia?
Where X allows Y to die. Where X withdraws/withholds life prolonging treatment
What is voluntary euthanasia?
Euthanasia when Y competently requests death himself
Non-voluntary euthanasia
Euthanasia when Y is not competent to express a preference
Involuntary euthanasia
Death is against Y’s competent wishes
Suicide
Y intentionally kills himself
Assisted suicide
X intentionally helps Y kill himself
Murder
X intentionally kills Y
What was the case of R v Cox (Dr cox) 1992?
Patient had sever rheumatoid arthritis, pain wasn’t relieved by strong pain killers. Doctor gives lethal dose of potassium chloride but later got charged for attempted murder
What is the Airedale NHS trust v Bland 1993
21 year old who was in a vegetative state and was being kept alive artificially. Hospital applied for a court ruling to withdraw treatment and it was accepted.
What is the case of Daniel James? “DPP decision on prosecution”
23 year old paralysed who went to Switzerland, with his parents, to die. His parents were not prosecuted because the DPP decided it was not in the public interested.
What is the case of Diane Pretty
Dianne suffered from motor neurons disease. Her husband wanted to help her commit suicide so they asked the DPP for consent but they were refused. She died 12 days later
What is the doctrine of double effect
Where you can foresee an event happening but do not intend it.
What are the regulations of Euthanasia in The Netherlands
Euthanasia is allowed if; Patient is incurably ill, or experience unbearable suffering, the patient has requested it and it has be done by their doctor.
What are the three points to note about Euthanasia in the netherlands?
- Advanced directive for euthanasia is allowed
- Children over 12 can request euthanasia
- Euthanasia of severely disabled newborns is allowed
What are some of the regulations of euthanasia in Switzerland
Assisted suicide is legal as long as the motive is unselfish but for every case the patient must be the person to undertake the last act.
What are some of the regulations of Euthanasia in Oregon?
It is physician-assisted suicide is legal but not euthanasia. Only applies to residents of Oregon and the doctor provides the medicine but does not administer it
