Euthanasia Flashcards
(20 cards)
Define euthanasia
Euthanasia is the intentional ending of a life; usually with the intention of ending suffering.
What language did the word euthanasia come from?
The word euthanasia came from the Greek term “euthanatos”.
Define voluntary euthanasia
Voluntary euthanasia has been requested by the patient.
Define non-voluntary euthanasia.
The person who receives a mercy killing is unable to make the decision for themselves.
Define involuntary euthanasia.
To ease inevitable suffering, a person who wants to live is killed by another person.
Define active euthanasia.
A direct way of killing the patient has occurred to ensure the patient’s death.
Define passive euthanasia.
A person is allowed to die and therefore not directly killed.
Give an example of a country where euthanasia is legal.
Any one of below:
Switzerland, Sweden, Belgium, Canada, Colombia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, etc.
What is a living will?
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.
Give 2 examples of a pro euthanasia group.
Dignity in Dying and Dignitas
When did suicide become legal in the UK and with what act?
Suicide became legal in the UK with the suicide act of 1961.
Define palliative care.
Medical, emotional, psychological or spiritual care given to a person who is terminally ill and which is aimed at reducing suffering rather than curing.
What does the Roman Catholic Church think of euthanasia?
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.
What does the Presbyterian Church think of euthanasia?
The Presbyterian Church focuses on the importance of care for the dying. They encourage necessary resources to be given for support.
Give 3 bible verses against euthanasia.
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
Give an example of euthanasia in the bible.
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
State 3 reasons in favour of euthanasia.
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
State 3 reasons against euthanasia
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.
Who founded the hospice movement and when?
Dame Cicley Saunders founded the hospice movement in the 1950s.
How is a hospice different to a hospital?
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.
