Euthanasia Flashcards
Define voluntary euthanasia
When the patient has requested a peaceful end to their life
Define involuntary euthanasia
Where the patient can’t physically consent to it but it is performed (eg, if there was lots of brain damage after a car crash)
What types of euthanasia are there?
Voluntary Involuntary Passive Active Compulsory
Define passive euthanasia
Doctors giving a patient relief from symptoms and/or pain, but not attempting to save their life
Define active euthanasia
Doctors giving the patient something that will give them relief and end their life
Define compulsory euthanasia
Where the patient is forced to be euthanised eg, if they’ve reached an age
NOT LEGAL ANYWHERE
What is The Hypocratic Oath?
An oath that all Doctors have to take at the beginning of their career, that makes them swear to always preserve life and not take it
Which Christian church has absolutist views on euthanasia?
Roman Catholic, Anglican
Which Christian church has relativist views on euthanasia?
Quaker
What are 3 arguments of absolutist Christians?
That euthanasia goes against the sanctity of life
That is is legalised murder
That it goes against God’s plan
What are 3 arguments of relativist Christians regarding euthanasia?
That it can be an act of love
Lesser of 2 evils
That the quality of life could be too poor
Define sanctity of life
The idea that human life is sacred and a gift from God
Why is euthanasia significant issue?
some argue that it is legalised murder, whilst others argue that we don’t let animals live in tremendous pain, so why humans
