Euthanasia Flashcards
Euthanasia
Act of ending a person’s life to release them from an incurable disease or suffering. Literally a gentle or good death.
Mercy Killing
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.
Death With Dignity
Phrase used by promoters of euthanaisa to suggest that there is something compassionate about helping a person die.
Terminal illness
The condition of a sick person for whom there is no known cure
Persistent Vegetative State
When a person is severely brain-damaged in a permanent coma from which they will not recover. Almost always on life-support systems.
Coma
Prolonged unconsciousness from which a patient may recover.
Right to Die
Popular general term reflecting a basic belief that end-of-life decisions should be an individual choice.
Right to Life
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.
Dignity
The value that a human being has simply by existing.
Active Euthanaisa
Deliberate actions to end the life of a dying patient to avoid further suffering.
Voluntary Euthanasia
Euthanasia is carried by the request of the person who dies. Usually a lethal injection administrated by a doctor.
Involuntary Euthanasia
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.
Indirect Euthanasia
Providing treatment (usually to reduce pain) that has the foreseeable side effect of causing the patient to die sooner.
Passive Euthanasia
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.
Suicide
Deliberately ending one’s life.
Non-voluntary Euthanasia
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.
Slippery Slope
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.
Assisted Suicide
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’.
Physician- assisted suicide (PAS)
A doctor providing the lethal drugs with which a dying person may end their life.
Doctrine of Double Effect
Ethical theory that allows the use of drugs that will shorten life, if the primary aim is only to reduce pain.
Competency
The ability of a person to communicate with a physician and understand the implications and consequences of medical procedures.
DNR
Do Not Resuscitate. Instruction telling medical staff not to attempt to resuscitate the patient if the patient has a heart attack.
Living Will
A document prepared by an individual in which they state what they want in regard to medical treatment and euthanasia.
Futile Treatment
Treatment that the health care team think will be completely ineffective.
