Palliative

Question 1

What is the difference between euthanasia and physician assisted suicide?

Answer 1

Euthanasia is the intentional bringing about of death of a patient at the request of the person, while physician-assisted suicide is the process by which a physician provides a patient, at the patient’s request, with the means necessary to end their own life, usually by prescribing a lethal dose of medication. In euthanasia, the physician is the one who directly causes the death of the patient, while in physician-assisted suicide, the patient is the one who takes the medication that ends their own life.

Question 2

Read arguments in favour of euthanasia / physician assisted suicide:

Answer 2

1. The right to die: Supporters argue that individuals have the right to end their own suffering and choose when and how they die.
2. Compassion: Advocates argue that euthanasia and PAS are compassionate options for individuals who are suffering from painful and terminal illnesses.
3. Autonomy: Supporters argue that individuals should have control over their own bodies and should have the right to make decisions about their own lives, including when to end their suffering.
4. Quality of life: Advocates argue that individuals who are terminally ill and suffering should be able to end their lives in order to maintain their dignity and quality of life.
5. Cost savings: Some argue that euthanasia and PAS could help reduce healthcare costs by allowing individuals to choose to end their lives rather than undergo expensive and potentially futile medical treatments.

Question 3

Read arguments against euthanasia / physician assisted suicide:

Answer 3

1. Sanctity of life: Opponents argue that all human life is sacred and that euthanasia and PAS go against this fundamental principle. Religious issues.
2. Slippery slope: Critics argue that legalizing euthanasia and PAS could lead to a slippery slope where vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly or disabled, could be coerced into ending their lives.
3. Medical mistakes: Opponents argue that euthanasia and PAS could lead to medical mistakes, such as misdiagnosis or incorrect dosages of medication, which could result in the premature death of patients.
4. Alternative options: Critics argue that there are alternative options available, such as palliative care and hospice, which can provide relief from pain and suffering without ending a patient’s life.
5. Impact on healthcare: Some argue that legalising euthanasia and PAS could have a negative impact on the healthcare system, such as lowering the quality of care for patients and reducing trust in healthcare providers.
6. Assessment of mental health issues, whether this would be considered a factor in the decision making.