Euthanasia Flashcards
Voluntary euthanasia definition
Euthanasia is carried out at the request of the person who dies.
Non- voluntary euthanasia definition
The person cannot make a decision or make a their wishes known regarding euthanasia, and someone makes the decision on their behalf
Where is euthanasia legal and illegal?
Legal: Belgium,New Zealand ,Germany
Illegal: Chile, Finland, In most parts of the USA
What is the law on euthanasia like in the Netherlands?
There must be certain conditions for euthanasia to be legal.
If done illegally then it’s a criminal offence.
Arguments for euthanasia
We all have the right to live, so we should all have the right to die.
Many people believe that a person has the right to his or her life and should be able to determine at what time and in what way he or she will die.
A civilised society should allow people to die in dignity without pain.
Euthanasia is used for animals for when their pain become too severe- why not humans?
The greater majority of Uk citizens would like to have the option of euthanasia available.
Protects family and friends from the unnecessary pain of watching a loved one suffer an agonising death.
Arguments against euthanasia
Human life is sacred, and it’s a gift from God.
God is the author of life, so therefore only God can take it away.
Euthanasia forces doctors to go against the Hippocratic Oath.
Bible say ‘Do not murder’- can be seen as murder.
Could be misused. People who have a good chance of recovery could be killed.
Proper palliative care makes euthanasia irrelevant.
Accepting euthanasia suggests that some lives are worth less than others. All human beings should be valued, irrespective of age, sex, race, religion, social status or potential achievement.
Church teaching on euthanasia
Predominantly against euthanasia.
Life is sacred and given by God, therefore only god can take it away.
The Roman Catholic Church highly emphasises the absolute value of human life and the prohibition against deliberately ending it.
It is generally viewed as incompatible with the sanctity of life and the responsibilities towards human life.
The hospice movement
Aims
Provides support for the patient and care for the patients emotional distress. Time is given to listen to the patients to help them cope with dying.
To care for the emotional needs of the family before, during and after the patients death.
To educate people about the best ways to care for the dying and carry out continual research.
