Assisted Dying Essay Plan Flashcards
(4 cards)
1
Q
Introduction/Statistics
A
- Euthanasia: voluntary, active, doctor kills on request
- Assisted Dying: patient kills themselves in a controlled setting
- All of these forms of assisted dying are currently illegal
- In England assisted dying punishable up to 14 years and euthanasia up to life
- New bills introduced to Holyrood and Westminster to legalise assisted dying for those with less than 6 months left to live
2
Q
Moral Issue 1: Sanctity of Life
A
- Many traditional religious thinkers believe we do not have the right to kill ourselves as our body belongs to God
- St Augustine “it is never licit to kill another, even if he should wish it”
- Paul Badham argues that forcing someone in pain to stay alive against their will goes against Jesus’ teaches of compassion
- Joseph Fletcher argues it is ridiculous that we should be allowed to kill someone for sake (self defence) but not for theirs
3
Q
Moral Issue 2: Autonomy
A
- Many advocated argue we should allow it based on the principle of autonomy
- Over 80% of the British public want to legalise assisted dying
- Philosopher Kevin Yull disagrees, saying legalising any type of assisted dying is “stepping off a moral precipice”
- Would not include involuntary euthanasia because this based on people’s inability to make decisions
4
Q
Moral Issue 3: Compassion
A
- Just as you may put a suffering dog to sleep, it may be the kindest thing to offer someone
- Peter Singer argues this could even apply to involuntary euthanasia, he says we must “allow nature to take its course”, withholding treatment but refusing to kill would be wrong
- john Wyatt strongly agrees saying that compassion should be about protecting vulnerable people
- Many palliative care professionals also say it would not be compassionate to legalise assisted dying when 118,000 in Britain each year are unable to access the palliative care they need as assisted dying would sometimes be used because people cannot access or afford the care they need
