Euthanasia Flashcards
(22 cards)
Euthanasia
Intentional ending of a life, usually with the intention of ending suffering
Arguments for euthanasia
PRIVACY - death is a private matter and the state shouldn’t interfere with someone’s right to die
EXPENSES - expensive to keep incurable people alive. These resources could be used to treat people who could live
ANIMALS - putting down animals is seen as an act of kindness, the same treatment should be available for humans
SUICIDE - suicide was legalised in 1961, surely those who want to end their life but aren’t able bodied should be able to do so through medical help
Arguments against euthanasia
SANCTITY OF LIFE - euthanasia would weaken society’s respect for the value and importance for human life
PRESSURE - some people may feel pressured/like a burden to their family and friends and request euthanasia when it isn’t really what they want
RESEARCH- would discourage new research for cures and treatments for terminally ill
PALLIATIVE CARE - is available which reduces pain and allows a happier, more cared for death
Active euthanasia
Using something to do it eg lethal injection, drugs
Passive euthanasia
Stopping medical treatment to let a patient die eg turning off life support, disconnecting feeding tubes etc
Voluntary euthanasia
Patient wants to die and says so
Non voluntary euthanasia
Patient can’t make decision/make their wish known, if eg they are in a coma/mentally disturbed/child. In this case family/doctors would choose
What is the Bible’s view on euthanasia?
UNCLEAR/DISAGREE - there is an occasion where euthanasia is described, but verses argue the Bible is against euthanasia
What is the Catholic Church view on euthanasia?
DISAGREE - euthanasia is morally unacceptable as it involves taking of human life. They believe sick people need love and care through palliative care
What is the Presbyterian Church view on euthanasia?
DISAGREE - support palliative care as an alternative
Palliative care
Medical, emotional, psychosocial or spiritual care given to a person who is terminally ill and is aimed at reducing suffering rather than curing
Who is Dame Cicely Saunders?
The founder of the hospice movement believed euthanasia isn’t needed because effective pain control is always possible
Involuntary euthanasia
A person who want to live but is killed anyway - considered murder
Dignity in dying
An organisation campaigning for change in euthanasia laws in UK to allow it. It believes every terminally ill person should have the right to euthanasia
Euthanasia law in the UK
- euthanasia is illegal, but passive is legal
- however, in November 2024 the ‘Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill’ was passed with 330 votes in favour and 275 against
- the bill is still being discussed and should take 4 years to implement
About the hospice movement
Means people living with a terminal illness can achieve the best possible quality of life
A patient can go to a hospice for short term or long term
Nurses may be able to go to the patients house for care
Aim of the hospice movement
- help people face and come to terms with death
- improve quality of life of patients
- support patient’s mental and physical needs
- help and support patient’s families come to terms with the coming bereavement
If a terminally ill patient requests euthanasia, is their quality of life a more important consideration than. The sanctity of life? YES
- some people mat not want to keep living if they are in severe pain
- people feel they have the right to choose what happens to their body
- the patient doesn’t want their family to see them suffering, and may feel that euthanasia is the best option
If a terminally ill patient requests euthanasia, is their quality of life a more important consideration than. The sanctity of life? NO (arguments against euthanasia)
- deliberate murder is wrong
- humans are the only species made in God’s image, so human life must be respected
- if doctors/relatives had the legal power to decide when a life should end, there is a few this could be abused
- God put us on earth so only He has the power to take us out of it
Judges 52-55
“A woman dropped an upper millstone on his head and cracked his skull. He said ‘draw your sword and kill me!’ So the servent did.’ This is an example of voluntary euthanasia in the Bible
Matthew 18:12-14
“Your Father in Heaven is not willing that any of these little ones shall perish” shows that God cares for us and doesn’t want to see us suffer
Matthew 9:20-22
“A woman that was diseased touched his garment and she was made whole from that hour” teaches that faith in God heals
