Euthanasia

Question 1

Define euthanasia

Answer 1

Euthanasia is the intentional ending of a life; usually with the intention of ending suffering.

Question 2

What language did the word euthanasia come from?

Answer 2

The word euthanasia came from the Greek term “euthanatos”.

Question 3

Define voluntary euthanasia

Answer 3

Voluntary euthanasia has been requested by the patient.

Question 4

Define non-voluntary euthanasia.

Answer 4

The person who receives a mercy killing is unable to make the decision for themselves.

Question 5

Define involuntary euthanasia.

Answer 5

To ease inevitable suffering, a person who wants to live is killed by another person.

Question 6

Define active euthanasia.

Answer 6

A direct way of killing the patient has occurred to ensure the patient’s death.

Question 7

Define passive euthanasia.

Answer 7

A person is allowed to die and therefore not directly killed.

Question 8

Give an example of a country where euthanasia is legal.

Answer 8

Any one of below:

Switzerland, Sweden, Belgium, Canada, Colombia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, etc.

Question 9

What is a living will?

Answer 9

A living will is a written statement detailing a person’s desires regarding future treatment should they no longer be able to communicate their desires themselves.

Question 10

Give 2 examples of a pro euthanasia group.

Answer 10

Dignity in Dying and Dignitas

Question 11

When did suicide become legal in the UK and with what act?

Answer 11

Suicide became legal in the UK with the suicide act of 1961.

Question 12

Define palliative care.

Answer 12

Medical, emotional, psychological or spiritual care given to a person who is terminally ill and which is aimed at reducing suffering rather than curing.

Question 13

What does the Roman Catholic Church think of euthanasia?

Answer 13

The Roman Catholic Church condemns euthanasia as ‘morally unacceptable’. They suggest that when a person requests euthanasia, they are actually making a plea for love and support.

Question 14

What does the Presbyterian Church think of euthanasia?

Answer 14

The Presbyterian Church focuses on the importance of care for the dying. They encourage necessary resources to be given for support.

Question 15

Give 3 bible verses against euthanasia.

Answer 15

Christians believe humans are made in God’s image, and therefore sacred
Mankind was made, “in the image of God” - Genesis 1:26

“Do not kill” - Exodus 20:13

“You yourself are God’s temple” - 1 Corinthians 3:16

Question 16

Give an example of euthanasia in the bible.

Answer 16

King Saul: “Then he begged me, ‘come over here and put me out of my misery, for I am in terrible pain and want to die.’ So I killed him, for I knew he couldn’t live”

Samuel 1:9 - 10

Question 17

State 3 reasons in favour of euthanasia.

Answer 17

To stop suffering/ allow a patient to die without pain

May allow for a more dignified death

Could free up a bed for a patient who may otherwise recover

Question 18

State 3 reasons against euthanasia

Answer 18

Euthanasia would devalue the lives of the disabled, sick and elderly.

Older people in particular may feel obliged to make use of euthanasia in order to take a burden off their families.

Good palliative care could make euthanasia unnecessary.

Question 19

Who founded the hospice movement and when?

Answer 19

Dame Cicley Saunders founded the hospice movement in the 1950s.

Question 20

How is a hospice different to a hospital?

Answer 20

Hospices focus on the quality of a patient’s life, rather than it’s length. They are not primarily concerned with helping the patient make a full recovery like as hospital, rather that they want to make a patient’s life as positive as possible before their death.