Euthanasia

Question 1

Define what euthanasia is.

Answer 1

The practice of ending a life of someone who is suffering from an incurable disease or disability. Sometimes referred to as ‘mercy killing’ as it aims to avoid prolonging a person’s suffering.

Question 2

What 2 things has the Catholic church said in opposition of euthanasia?

Answer 2

• The Roman Catholic church teaches that you should never make death come more quickly
• A Catholic Pope said “Without the consent of the person, euthanasia is murder. His consent would make it suicide.”

Question 3

a) Explain why Christians are opposed to euthanasia.

b) Which 2 Bible verses support these things specifically?

Answer 3

a) Christians believe all human life is made by God and in the image of God. He created every person, whether sick, healthy, disabled, or able-bodied. They believe the practice of euthanasia shows disrespect to God.
b) - Genesis 1:27 (“Image of God”)
- 10 Commandments in Exodus (“Do not murder”)

Question 4

Give some arguments for euthanasia.

Answer 4

• It’s the person’s own choice.
• Family would be suffering watching their relative die painfully.
• Living is too painful/miserable/feel they have a low quality of life
• Ends the person’s suffering

Question 5

Give some arguments against euthanasia.

Answer 5

• Turns doctors into killers/murderers, whether they agree with euthanasia or not.
• A terminal illness/disease does not necessarily mean they have a lower quality of life
• Every life is important and should be cherished and protected.
• It’s about making the most of the life you do have.

Question 6

What are the two types of euthanasia? Describe them both.

Answer 6

• Passive euthanasia is when no action is taken to end a life, but none to prolong it either.
• Active euthanasia is when deliberate action is taken to end a life such as through the administration of a lethal injection/drug abuse/active withdrawal of a life-supporting machine