Unit 1: The Right To Life Flashcards
Who are pro-life supporters?
People who are opposed to abortion
What is abortion?
The deliberate termination of a pregnancy, leading to the death of an embryo or foetus less than 24 weeks old
Who are pro-choice supporters?
People who support a woman’s right to choose (refers to abortion)
What is euthanasia?
Inducing a painless death with compassion
What is the ‘quality of life’
A measure of fulfilment
What do Christians mean when they say they believe in the ‘sanctity of life’?
They believe there is something special and holy about life and that every human being is sacred so should not be killed
When was abortion legalised?
1967
What is the maximum age of an embryo is allowed to be aborted at?
24 weeks old
Why was abortion legalised?
Up to 200,000 women had gone to back street abortionists which led to many deaths
What is the only reason why Catholics may allow abortion?
If the mother will die if she continues with the pregnancy, Catholics accept the abortion of a child
What is active euthanasia?
When something is deliberately given or done to the patient to end their life
What is passive euthanasia?
When something necessary for the patient to survive is not done or given
What are some reasons why people would want euthanasia?
Being in terrible pain, the loss of their quality of life, psychological factors
Is active euthanasia legal?
It is illegal in the UK and many other countries, but is used in Holland, Belgium and some US states
Is passive euthanasia legal?
In the UK, passive euthanasia is practised, but is not identified as the cause of death
What is the law about euthanasia in Switzerland?
They allow assisted suicide
What is the difference between euthanasia and assisted suicide?
For assisted suicide, the person who is ill must perform the final action whereas in euthanasia, the doctor performs it
Arguments for euthanasia
It ends what would be a lifelong pain and suffering
The quality of life of the patient is retained
The patient dies with dignity and compassion from others
Arguments against euthanasia
Puts pressure on those who feel like they are a burden on their family
Contradicts society’s beliefs of the sanctity of life
Could seriously affect not only the patient, but their family and even the doctor
Church of England views on euthanasia
They have mixed views; they feel strongly about the sanctity of life, but they accept that doctors should not have to do everything in their power for the sake of this. They express the importance of ill and old people in the community
Roman Catholic Church views on euthanasia
They are totally against all types of euthanasia; condones the commandment, ‘you shall not murder’. They believe that if a painkiller is given and sooner death happens to be a side effect then it is acceptable and a complex operation with a slim chance of success should not be carried out
Who founded the hospice movement and when?
Cicely Saunders in 1967
Why did the hospice movement start?
Cicely believed that the end of a person’s life is as natural and important as the start
What is palliative care?
When hospices deal with keeping severe pain under control and keeping the patient comfortable
What is respite care?
When MacMillan nurses visit the patients and take care of them at home to give a rest to the family
Name a hospice
Rainbows
