Euthanasia

Question 1

Non Religious Arguments in Favour

Answer 1

• Suicide is legal, so why not help someone who cannot commit suicide themselves,
• If animal were suffering, we have it put down as its the most humane thing to do.
• It is their life they have should have the right to end it if they want to.
• It’s not fair for the relatives to have to watch their loved one dying painfully.

Question 2

Non Religious Arguments Against

Answer 2

• Drugs can be used for pain control.
• Euthanasia is just a fancy word for murder.
• Doctor’s take an oath to save life, it is wrong to ask them to kill people.
• Medical science might find a cure for them.

Question 3

Christian Teachings

Answer 3

• They believe that God created everything and that humans were created in his image - it would be disrespectful. Also sanctity of life - only god should be able to take it away as he gave it.
• Forbidden to kill in the Decalogue
• Jesus accepted his crucifixion and never tried to escape - people should follow him.

Question 4

Evangelical Protestant Teachings

Answer 4

• Bible condemns suicide

* God tells us not to kill in the ten commandments.

Question 5

Liberal Protestant Teachings

Answer 5

• ‘Love thy Neighbour’ - helping someone die might be the most loving thing to do (Situation Ethics.)

Question 6

What do Muslims teach?

Answer 6

All teachings are against euthanasia but 2 attitudes exist.

Question 7

Muslim Attitudes

Answer 7

• If the person is already brain dead - God has already taken their life, hence killing them is not euthanasia.
• Others see turning off life support as BEING euthanasia because:
-They see it as suicide - condemned in the Qu’ran
-They see life as a test - only God can decide when we die.