Euthanasia Flashcards
Define euthanasia
Euthanasia is the intentional ending of a life; usually with the intention of ending suffering.
Define voluntary euthanasia
Euthanasia has been requested by the person who wants to die.
Define non-voluntary euthanasia
Unable to make the decision for themselves. Eg, baby or someone of low intelligence.
Define involuntary euthanasia
To ease inevitable suffering a person that would want to live is killed by another person. Eg, soldier kidnapped that could be tortured.
Define active euthanasia
A direct way of killing the patient has occurred to ensure the patients death. For example through an overdose.
Define passive euthanasia.
A person is allowed to die and therefore not directly killed. An example of this would be withholding medication.
Potential motives for people who would be willing in helping others die
May allow a patient to die without pain
May allow for a more dignified death
Could relieve the burden on family members
Define living will
Written statement detailing a persons desires regarding future medical treatment in circumstances in which they are no longer able to express informed consent especially and advance directive.
What is law on euthanasia
Vote voluntary euthanasia is not permitted in the UK or Ireland. Suicide became legal in 1961, but it is still an offence to “aid, abet, counsel or procure” such an act.
Where is euthanasia legal?
The Netherlands
Name a campaign endorsing the choice for euthanasia
Dignity in dying
What is dignity in dying’s mission?
The want to campaign for individuals to have a greater choice and more control over end of life decisions.
Arguments in favour
People who are suffering with illness that cannot be cured, then they should have help in dying.
People should have the right to control their own lives and chose when to die
We should allow people to die in dignity.
Arguments against
Euthanasia would devastate the lives of the disabled and sick
Christians believe life is sacred because God made people in his image and only only he should decide when life ends (genesis)
If euthanasia was legalised it could be abused. Some elderly people may feel obliged to use it to not be a “burden” on their families.
What does the bible say on euthanasia?
Christians believe that all humans are made from God’s image and therefore are sacred.
Mankind was made in the image of God - Genesis 1:26
The lord gave and the lord has taken away- Job 1:21
