Euthanasia

Question 1

Give the structure of a euthanasia essay

Answer 1

Intro
Deontological 
Consequentialist 
Other ethical considerations 
The law

Question 2

Define euthanasia

Answer 2

“Good death”

Intentionally bringing about the death of a person through act or omission for the person’s own sake

Question 3

What is assisted suicide

Answer 3

Intentionally helping a person kill themselves

Question 4

Give the main Deontological points relating to euthanasia

Answer 4

Explain this branch of moral philosophy and Kant’s influence
Universal laws: killing is always wrong
Duty of care - do no harm
Intention is most important
Aquinas - double effect 
vs double effect irl (Dr Steven Barclay)

Question 5

Give the main consequentialist points relating to euthanasia

Answer 5

Define consequentialist
Usually anti killing as it has negative consequences
But maybe pro euthanasia as may result in net increase in happiness - Nigel Cox
Palliative care money can be redistributed
Harris- DNR is already euthanasia as result is the same

BUT while short term consequences may be positive, long time may be negative

Question 6

What was the case of Nigel Cox

Answer 6

1992

Patient Lillian Boyes has rheumatoid Arthur it’s so he gave her KCl to kill her
Put her out of her misery
GMC did NOT strike him off

Question 7

Give some other ethical considerations for euthanasia

Answer 7

Normalising it like in veterinary practice
Slippery slope
Difficult to distinguish if mental illness involved
100% of patients die
Extending life may not be in their best interest
Turning Dr into an executioner
Many situations can be fixed creatively eg VR

Question 8

what is the law in euthanasia

Answer 8

Euthanasia = murder

Medical negligence = manslaughter

Question 9

Give 2 key court cases to do with euthanasia

Answer 9

Diane Petty (2001)
Tony Bland (1993)

Question 10

What was the case of Diane Petty

Answer 10

2001
Motor neurone disease
Claimed current law on euthanasia goes against Human Rights Act (right to life) and that people have a right to death

Question 11

What was the case of Tony Bland

Answer 11

1993

Hillsborough Disaster (1989) 
Left in vegetative state
House of Lords ruled withdrawing feeding tube was legal as it no longer improved his situation and didn’t promote his interest 

Legal in Switzerland (Dignitas)