Euthanasia

Question 1

Define euthanasia

Answer 1

Euthanasia means ‘good death’ in Greek. It is a mercy killing or easier way to die than a natural means because of the person’s illness.

Question 2

What is active euthanasia ?

Answer 2

A direct way of killing the patient to ensure the patient’s death. For example, through an overdose of drugs

Question 3

What is passive Euthanasia?

Answer 3

A person is allowed to die and therefore not directly killed. An example of this would be by withholding their medication

Question 4

What is voluntary euthanasia?

Answer 4

Euthanasia has been requested by the person who wants to die

Question 5

What is non voluntary euthanasia?

Answer 5

The person who receives a mercy killing has been unable to make the decision for themselves. For example a young baby or someone of low intelligence and someone makes the decision on their behalf.

Question 6

What is involuntary euthanasia?

Answer 6

To ease inevitable suffering a person that would want to live is killed by another person. For example if they will definitely suffer a painful death they could be killed in advance. For example a soldier kidnapped by the enemy.

Question 7

What is Palliative care?

Answer 7

Palliative care is the medical, emotional and spiritual care aimed at reducing suffering rather than curing the person who is suffering

Question 8

What is a living will?

Answer 8

A document from someone who has a diagnoses that if they become so ill and cannot communicate their wishes that they can rely on this document as to how they should be treated.

Question 9

Give pro choice arguments for Euthanaisa

Answer 9

• They believe that if people who are suffering with illnesses that cannot be cured, then they should have help in dying.
• People should have the right to control their own lives and determine when they will die.
• In a civilised society we should allow people to die in dignity rather than excruciating deaths that illnesses may bring about.
• It is no longer illegal to commit suicide. This was with the Suicide Act of 1961 and the Criminal Justice Act 1966 (NI)
• Palliative care can work alongside euthanasia and help bring comfort to those about to die

Question 10

Give the name of a pro-choice organisation

Answer 10

Dignity in dying. They believe that if people who are suffering with illnesses that cannot be cured, then they should have help in dying.

Question 11

Give pro-life arguments regarding Euthanasia (5)

Answer 11

• If euthanasia were to be accepted it would devalue the lives of the disabled or sick.
• Many Christians believe that life is sacred because God has made people in His image and only He should decide when life ends.
• If euthanasia were legalised, it could be abused and some people may end up having euthanasia when they didn’t want this option.
• Other people believe that suffering is not a reason to end your life.
• Is is believed that palliative care can make euthanasia unnecessary

Question 12

Give an example of a pro life campaign

Answer 12

A group called ‘Life’.

Question 13

What is the euthanasia law in Britain?

Answer 13

Euthanasia is illegal in Britain. It is considered murder even if the person has requested to have euthanasia. The maximum penalty for administering euthanasia is 14 years imprisonment

Question 14

Give two examples of places where euthanasia is legal

Answer 14

Switzerland and the Netherlands. In the Netherlands doctors can administer drugs to terminally ill patients (over the age of 12.)

Question 15

What happens to people in the UK if they want to have euthanasia ?

Answer 15

Citizens in the UK can travel to the Dignatas clinic in Switzerland to receive euthanasia if they are able to travel to this country without assistance.

Question 16

What is the law regarding euthanasia in Belgium?

Answer 16

In 2014 after 12 years of legalising euthanasia in Belgium they have have voted to pass euthanasia without having any age limits. This means children in extreme situations may also have euthanasia.

Question 17

Name an organisation that provides palliative care

Answer 17

One organisation that provides Palliative Care is the Hospice. This was set up by Sicely Saunders, who as a doctor and Christian was in opposition to euthanasia

Question 18

What do christians believe about Euthanasia?

Answer 18

Christians believe that through their suffering they can rely on God’s strength and develop character and patience. As Christians believe they will enter eternity in heaven with God after their life, all suffering should be seen as temporary. They believe that at the end of their lives palliative care is a much better option than a consideration of euthanasia. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 outlines that there will be times of joy but also times of sadness and suffering.

Question 19

What do the Roman Catholic Church believe concerning Euthanasia

Answer 19

The Roman Catholic Church condemn euthanasia as unacceptable. “It is necessary to state firmly once more that nothing and no one can in any way permit the killing of an innocent human being, whether a foetus or an embryo, an infant or an adult…”

Question 20

What does the Presbyterian Church think about euthanasia?

Answer 20

The Presbyterian Church emphasises that palliative care should be provided for those who are ill or dying rather than the choice of euthanasia.

Question 21

What does the Church of Ireland believe about euthanasia?

Answer 21

The Church of Ireland also minimises the choice of euthanasia by encouraging Christians to “use a far greater resource - palliative care, a care which embraces body, mind and soul

Question 22

What is the contribution of the Hospice movement?

Answer 22

The Hospice provides palliative care. It was set up by Sicely Saunders, who as a doctor and Christian was in opposition to euthanasia. She wanted to maximise the end of a person’s life and make the most out of this time. She founded the first Hospice in 1967 and since this there are 220 hospices in the UK and over 8000 throughout the world. In the UK 60,000 people are living in hospices with a further 120,000 patients living at home but supported by hospice care. Cancer patients who are terminally ill can live at home and be supported by the Hospice.

A Hospice is a place where the patient, family and friends may receive medical, emotional and spiritual care. Patients can garden, write, talk, have aromatherapy and participate in activities that they are able to do. The contribution of the Hospice movement meant that those nearing the end of their life were given comfortable surroundings where they could receive pain relief and pray if they were religious, and the family could receive emotional support.