Euthanasia

Question 1

Euthanasia

Answer 1

Act of ending a person’s life to release them from an incurable disease or suffering. Literally a gentle or good death.

Question 2

Mercy Killing

Answer 2

Term loosely used to describe all acts of euthanasia- ending another person’s life in belief that it is the only compassionate thing to do.

Question 3

Death With Dignity

Answer 3

Phrase used by promoters of euthanaisa to suggest that there is something compassionate about helping a person die.

Question 4

Terminal illness

Answer 4

The condition of a sick person for whom there is no known cure

Question 5

Persistent Vegetative State

Answer 5

When a person is severely brain-damaged in a permanent coma from which they will not recover. Almost always on life-support systems.

Question 6

Coma

Answer 6

Prolonged unconsciousness from which a patient may recover.

Question 7

Right to Die

Answer 7

Popular general term reflecting a basic belief that end-of-life decisions should be an individual choice.

Question 8

Right to Life

Answer 8

Popular term for belief that death should only come about by the will of a deity, or the belief that life is valuable regardless of medical conditions or desires to end it.

Question 9

Dignity

Answer 9

The value that a human being has simply by existing.

Question 10

Active Euthanaisa

Answer 10

Deliberate actions to end the life of a dying patient to avoid further suffering.

Question 11

Voluntary Euthanasia

Answer 11

Euthanasia is carried by the request of the person who dies. Usually a lethal injection administrated by a doctor.

Question 12

Involuntary Euthanasia

Answer 12

This occurs when the person who dies has not requested the actions that end their life. e.g. A lethal injection given to a dying patient without that persons request. It is usually considered to be murder.

Question 13

Indirect Euthanasia

Answer 13

Providing treatment (usually to reduce pain) that has the foreseeable side effect of causing the patient to die sooner.

Question 14

Passive Euthanasia

Answer 14

Death is brought about by an omission- i.e. by withdrawing or withholding treatment, such as the deliberate disconnection of life support equipment, or cessation of any life-sustaining medical procedure, permitting a natural death.

Question 15

Suicide

Answer 15

Deliberately ending one’s life.

Question 16

Non-voluntary Euthanasia

Answer 16

This is where the person is unable to ask for euthanasia (perhaps they are unconscious or otherwise unable to communicate), or to make a meaningful choice between living and dying and someone takes the decision on their behalf.

Question 17

Slippery Slope

Answer 17

Theory that allowing an act which in itself may not be morally repugnant or illegal on a small scale, but could lead to other similar and wider actions which are.

Question 18

Assisted Suicide

Answer 18

This is when the person who wants to die needs help to kill themselves, asks for it and receives it. Providing the means (e.g. drugs) by which a person can take his or her or their own life. Also known as assisted dying– to avoid the word ‘suicide’.

Question 19

Physician- assisted suicide (PAS)

Answer 19

A doctor providing the lethal drugs with which a dying person may end their life.

Question 20

Doctrine of Double Effect

Answer 20

Ethical theory that allows the use of drugs that will shorten life, if the primary aim is only to reduce pain.

Question 21

Competency

Answer 21

The ability of a person to communicate with a physician and understand the implications and consequences of medical procedures.

Question 22

DNR

Answer 22

Do Not Resuscitate. Instruction telling medical staff not to attempt to resuscitate the patient if the patient has a heart attack.

Question 23

Living Will

Answer 23

A document prepared by an individual in which they state what they want in regard to medical treatment and euthanasia.

Question 24

Futile Treatment

Answer 24

Treatment that the health care team think will be completely ineffective.

Question 25

Palliative Care

Answer 25

Medical, emotional or spiritual care given to a person who is terminally ill and which is not aimed at treating the illness but to relieve the pain and other discomfort accompanying it.

Question 26

Hospice

Answer 26

A place/organisation which is funded by charitable donations and provides palliative care formal program of palliative care and support for a person in the last months of life. the patient’s family is also supported, emotionally and spiritually.