Euthanasia

Question 1

Catholic view + why

Answer 1

.Rejects euthanasia or assisted suicide
.Imago dei and sanctity of life
.Ten Commandments ‘do not kill’

Question 2

What do Catholics promote instead?

Answer 2

.Promote palliative care instead, reduce pain and provide comfort but doesn’t end life

Question 3

Explain the ‘right to die’ argument

Answer 3

.People in pain who are suffering believe they should have the right to decide when they end their lives
.They might want to end their life before their quality of life is diminished
.A person who is fully conscious and rational has the freedom to choose when they end their life
.A person with poor QoL has the right to decide if they want to die (QoL vs SoL)

Question 4

Give 4 arguments for euthanasia

Answer 4

.Basic human right to have control over ending life
.Ethically wrong to keep someone alive that has no chance of recovery
.‘Loving your neighbour’ assisted suicide might be the most loving thing to do
.We don’t let animals suffer so why humans?
.People with terminal illnesses might want to instead die with dignity

Question 5

Give 4 arguments against euthanasia

Answer 5

.Life is created by God so it’s up to him when we die
.It’s a slippery slope, where do we draw the line for euthanasia?
.Role of doctors is to support life not to destroy it
.People might change their minds but it would be too late
.All life is special and should be worthy of protection