Matters of life and death, Euthanasia 1 Flashcards
What language does euthanasia and what does it mean
It comes from Greek and means “Good death”
What is euthanasia
It is bringing about a gentle and easy death especially in cases of incurable and painful diseases where the quality of life is seen as poor
What are the 4 types of euthanasia
- Voluntary
- Involuntary
- Active
- Passive
What is voluntary euthanasia
- It is at the request of the patient “assisted suicide” supported by dignity in dying
What is involuntary euthanasia
- Others decide itd be the patients best interest to die
What is active euthanasia
- A person deliberately causes the patients death
What is passive euthanasia
- When treatment is stopped and results in death
What is the Roman catholic views
- condemns it as morally unacceptable
What is the Presbyterian church views
- Focuses on care for the dying
What is the church of Ireland views
- focuses on care for the dying palliative care
Arguments for euthanasia
- It can humanely end someones suffering
- It can shorten the grief of loved ones
- It would help doctors if they knew patients intentions
- It would help others face death if they know they could die with dignity
Arguments against euthanasia
- There are pain killing drugs that can help patient die naturally with dignity
- A patient might not be able to make rational decisions
- Many people recover after being written off by doctors
- Old people may feel pressured to choose euthanasia as they feel like a burden
- Euthanasia devalues life by making it disposable
What is the slippery slope argument
if we allow voluntary euthanasia it would only matter of time before involuntary euthanasia would happen and would be difficult to prove.
Where is euthanasia legal and illegal
It is illegal in Britain, Legal in Switzerland
What is a hospice
A hospice is a place where terminally ill people are cared for, doctors control the pain as much as possible
