Euthanasia Flashcards
Define euthanasia.
A painless death, with compassion, to ease suffering.
Define active euthanasia.
A person directly and deliberately causes the patient’s death, eg. by overdose of painkillers.
Define passive euthanasia.
A person does not directly take the patient’s life; they just allow them to die. This can be withdrawing or withholding treatment.
Define voluntary euthanasia.
Carried out at the request of the patient.
Define palliative care.
Medical, emotional or spiritual care given to a person who is terminally ill and which is aimed at reducing suffering rather than curing.
State 3 arguments for euthanasia.
- If we put animals out of misery, we should be allowed to do the same to humans.
- Some people have no quality of life and death would be a better option.
- UK law already acknowledges that people have the rights to die, as the Suicide Act 1961 and the Criminal Justice Act 1966 make suicide legal.
State 3 arguments against euthanasia.
- All people are of value to God whatever their ability or disability.
- Sanctity of life - life is sacred and a gift from God, therefore only God has the right to take human life.
- Proper palliative care makes euthanasia unnecessary.
What is the Roman Catholic view on euthanasia?
They clearly condemn euthanasia as morally unacceptable. They say, “Nothing and no one can in any way permit the killing of an innocent human being.”
What is the Presbyterian attitude to euthanasia?
They focus on the importance for the case of the dying. They do reject euthanasia but say, “we have a duty to help them die in as comfortable and peaceful ways as they can. Facilities such as the Hospice Movement should be encouraged.”
State 2 bible references for euthanasia.
• Philippians - “For what is life? To me, it is Christ. Death, then, will bring more.”
Christians do not fear death, as they look forward to heaven. Some modern medicine seems to prolong life unnecessarily. It may be considered unfair to delay the end of suffering
• John - “life in all its fullness”
Jesus said life is to be celebrated and enjoyed. He would not want people to suffer and die in pain.
State 3 bible references against euthanasia.
• Exodus - “Do not murder”
Killing is wrong.
• Luke - “Aren’t five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one sparrow is forgotten by God.”
God value all aspects of life, including suffering and need, and so we should be comforted by this.
• Romans - “trouble brings endurance, endurance brings God’s approval, and his approval creates hope”
Suffering can have a purpose. Families can be reunited and it can deepen religious faith. It can bring good things and value.
Define living will.
A document that specifies an individual’s wishes regarding care and treatment if they become incapacitated, such as limiting life-support that would only prolong life.
What is a doctor’s role?
Their job is to preserve the quality of a person’s life by healing. The hippocratic oath entails the requirement that they do not willingly harm another person.
Describe VES.
The Voluntary Euthanasia Society - argues that every human being deserves respect and has the right to choose their own destiny, including how they live and die.
Describe Dignitas.
A non-profit Swiss charity that has gained worldwide reputation for helping people with chronic diseases to end their lives, with the motto, “Live with dignity, die with dignity”.
