Euthanasia Flashcards
Define active euthanasia
One person actions another’s death for the others benefit
Define passive euthanasia
By withholding treatment or taking away life support, one person allows another to die
Define voluntary euthanasia
The request to die by the person who competently wishes it so
Define non voluntary euthanasia
A decision to die by a second party on behalf of one who’s unable to make that decision
Define involuntary euthanasia
One decides to euthanise another even though death is against the others wishes
Define physician assisted suicide
A qualified physician helps another to commit suicide
What is the Suicide Act?
1961, to aid or assist suicide in any way is a crime
Tony Hope quote FOR euthanasia
“It is perverse to seek a sense of ethical purity when this is gained at the expense of the suffering of others”
What is Dignitas?
An organisation based in Switzerland, where assisted suicide is legal, that helps people to die
Define palliative care
The use of medication to reduce pain, as opposed to cure
What is medical futility?
Continued treatment when there is no reasonable hope of cure or benefit to the patient
Issues about legalising euthanasia
- How could this law be monitored?
- Does it go against the Hippocratic Oath?
- Is it interfering with the natural course of events?
- Would it be in the best interests of society as a whole?
Christian arguments against euthanasia
- “Do not kill” Ten Commandments
- Jesus healed the sick. He did not let them die
- Sanctity of life
- Pope John Paul II “A grave violation of the law of God”
Situation ethical approach to euthanasia
- Actions should be guided by love
- Every situation should be considered with agape
- It’s not Christian to allow pain/suffering needlessly
Jonathon Glover’s response to euthanasia
People may feel like a burden
