The nature of euthanasia

Question 1

What is euthanasia?

Answer 1

A gentle and easy death to someone suffering from a painful, deadly disease and who has little quality of life.

Question 2

What are the 3 types of euthanasia?

Answer 2

1. Assisted suicide
2. Voluntary euthanasia
3. Non-voluntary euthanasia

Question 3

What does British law say about euthanasia?

Answer 3

Euthanasia is a murderous crime BUT withholding treatment is not euthanasia and is acceptable.

Question 4

Give 4 reasons why somebody would be FOR euthanasia

Answer 4

Give any 4 of the reasons below:

1. If a person is suffering unbearable pain they may judge life is not worth living (quality of life)
2. People can commit suicide so why not give them the right to ask a doctor to assist their suicide
3. Its expensive to keep treating old and terminally ill patients, should money be spent on those who have a chance of living
4. Long drawn out deaths = loss of dignity
5. A person has a right to choose when they die

Question 5

Give 4 reasons why somebody would be AGAINST euthanasia

Answer 5

Give any 4 of the reasons below:

1. A cure could be found for the disease
2. It is the job of doctors to save lives not kill them
3. Likely to be doubt as to whether it is what the person really wants (their state of mind)
4. Doctor’s diagnosis could be wrong
5. Could compromise doctor-patient trust
6. Slippery Slope - if we allow it, how long until people are pressured into it

Question 6

Explain the catholic attitude towards euthanasia.

Answer 6

• No
• CCC: 2280
• Euthanasia = murder (10 commandments)
• SANCTITY OF LIFE: holy, sacred, belongs to God
  However…
• Doctrine of double effect: if it was not the intention to kill it’s acceptable

Question 7

Explain the evangelical attitude towards euthanasia.

Answer 7

• No (NEVER)
• Doctors should do everything possible to extend life
• Allowing somebody to die is as bad as murder
• 10 commandments
• Bible = literal interpretation
• Thou shalt not kill

Question 8

Explain the liberal attitude towards euthanasia.

Answer 8

• Yes
• God gave us free will and therefore the free choices of individuals should be respected
• Lesser of two evils, most compassionate thing to do
• Love thy neighbour

Question 9

CCC: 2280

Answer 9

We are stewards, not owners, of the life God has entrusted to us. It is not ours to dispose of.