euthanasia Flashcards
what is voluntary euthanasia
patient requests to end their life due to suffering
what is involuntary euthanasia
where the government, family or doctors end a persons life even if they don’t want e.g nazi’s
what is non voluntary euthanasia
killing of a person who has not requested help in dying most commonly done to patients in a vegetative state
why may people request to be euthanatised
they live in severe pain, painkillers no longer work
they may be diagnosed with a degenerative disease like Alzheimers and don’t want to see themselves decline
they have lost independence and require care 24/7 therefor losing some dignity
what is a christians view on euthanasia
Euthanasia is often seen as a form of killing, which contradicts the commandment: “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13) can be seen as playing God
Life is sacred because it is a gift from God. Job 1:21: “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away…” therefor humans shouldn’t intentionally end a life
what is the christian alternative to euthanasia
the hospice movement - first set up by nuns in the 1900’s Ireland it is a place where terminally ill patients can be cared for and can manage patients pain
what are secular arguments in favour of euthanasia
personal autonomy - freedom of the individual to choose when to die - suicide is a legal act available to everyone however a person who is terminally ill or disabled might not be able to psychically in effect they are being discriminated against
dignified death - many people with degenerative diseases wish to die on their own terms before they become completely incapable of doing anything themselves
what are the conservative arguments against euthanasia
slippery slope - if voluntary euthanasia is legalised it could lead to involuntary euthanasia in Holland it has been legal but the strict guidelines haven’t been adhered to with over 1000 people being killed contrary to the law
misdiagnosis - possibility doctors get it wrong and illness isn’t actually terminal so patient can make a recovery
pressure to die - if assisted suicide is made available some people will be pressured into accepting assistance to die, this may be because of they feel guilty for people having to care for them
