Debate on Physician Assisted Suicide Flashcards
What is euthansia?
The deliberate taking of another person’s life to relieve their suffering
What is assisted suicide?
The situation where a competent person ends their own life but with the assistance of another person to perform the act, such as by providing the means to do so
Are advanced directives the same legally?
No, there are different legal positions across the UK
Not legally binding in Scotladn but is legally binding in England and Wales
Where are the terms “advanced directive” and “advanced decision” used?
“Advanced directive” - Scotland
“Advanced decision” - England and Wales
What does an advanced decision/directive detail?
Can detail treatment refusal where it would not be possible to communicate wishes:
- Treatments being refused must be named in the advanced decision
- Situations in which the treatment would or wouldn’t be accepted must be named
Why are advanced directives not legally binding in Scotland?
Scotland the “Adult with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000” requires past and present wishes of the person to be taken into account and this would require taking any advanced directive an individual has made
What is an advanced statement?
An advanced statement explains an individual’s wishes by talking or writing about them to anyone involved in their care or their family, these are not legally binding
Are advanced statements legally binding?
No
What is the current situation of euthanasia and assisted suicide outside of the UK?
- Forms of assisted suicide are legal in a growing number of countries
- Euthanasia is also now legal in many countries where there is capacity
What is euthanasia considered as inside the UK?
Manslaughter or murder
Is suicide a criminal act?
- Suicide is no longer a criminal act
- But remains a criminal offence for a 3rd party to assist in England and Wales
- There is no specific law in Scotland
Right now, does the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) and Royal College of General Practitioners believe the law on assisted dying should be changed?
They believe it should noto be changed and this is most popular opinion amonst members
What has allowed a debate about whether an assisted suicide offence in compatible with human rights legislation to take place in courts?
- Contradicts the right of respect for private and family life under Article 8 of European Convention on Human Rights
What are some common arguments about assisted dying?
Alternative arguement
Ethical arguement
Pragmatic arguement
Medical ethics arguement
Slippery slope arguement
Religious arguement
How is the legallity of euthanasia and physician assisted suicide changing across the world?
They are increasingly being legalised, but both remain rare and primarily involve patients with cancer
