Natural Law and its application to Euthanasia.

Question 1

Is it applicable?

Answer 1

No. Natural Law sees Euthanasia as WRONG.

Question 2

What evidence is used to detract from the idea of euthanasia?

Answer 2

Goes against divine law (bible). -Sanctity of life.

• Made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27)
• Decalogue and Romans (14:8) ‘Las sol imago dei’.
• ‘Whether you lie or die, you belong to the Lord’ -Psalm 139

Question 3

How does Euthanasia contrast with Natural Law?

Answer 3

Goes against primary precepts of:

• Preserve life
• Order society
• Worship God

In turn, goes against secondary precepts.

Question 4

What can’t be achieved through euthanasia?

Answer 4

Telos, and therefore the final destination of heaven.

Question 5

What exceptions will the doctrine of double effect allow?

Answer 5

Passive euthanasia - Following patient’s request to receive no more treatment is legal, and doesn’t break any of the primary precepts.

Palliative care - Your intention is to ease the patient’s pain - the foreseen side effect is that this will affect their breathing and lead to death.