Euthanasia Flashcards
What is euthanasia?
The intentional ending of a life; usually with the intention to end suffering
What is palliative care?
Medical, emotional or spiritual care given to a person who is terminally ill and is aimed at reducing suffering rather than curing.
5 arguments in favour of euthanasia?
Many think that the person has the right to control his or her life and should determine at what time and way they’ll die
Dying in dignity with pain
Uk law acknowledges people have the right to die- the suicide act 1961
Stops suffering of relatives watching patient suffer dying a slow and painful death
It is cheaper to let patients die than to keep them alive with expensive drugs(mercenary)
5 arguments against euthanasia
Human life is sacred and a gift from god
Forces doctors to break the Hippocratic oath
Accepting euthanasia suggests that some lives are worth less than others
If euthanasia was made legal laws regulating it would be abused and people would be killed who didn’t want to die-slippery slope argument
Proper palliative care makes euthanasia unnecessary with support of hospice pain and other symptoms
Name 2 organisations
Dignity in dying
The hospice movement
Countries that allow euthanasia
Netherlands Switzerland Belgium
What is the UK law on euthanasia
Both euthanasia and assisted suicide are illegal. Anyone who helps someone end their life could face up to 14 Years in prison
What is active euthanasia?
Directly and deliberately causing the patients death, for example, by an overdose of pain killers
What is passive euthanasia?
Withdrawing or withholding medical treatment to deliberately allow the person to die
What is voluntary and non voluntary euthanasia?
Voluntary is at the request of the person who dies and non voluntary is where another person makes the decision on their behalf
Involuntary euthanasia
The person who wants to live but is killed anyway usually same as murder but not always
What does the Roman Catholic Church teach about euthanasia
Clearly condemns euthanasia as morally unacceptable
What does the Presbyterian church teach about euthanasia?
Focuses on the importance of care for the dying
What does the church of Ireland teach about euthanasia
Life is a gift from god and the end of the earthly life should be more about helping others live than helping them die
What are some bible teachings
Exodus says do not murder
Genesis says mankind was made in the image of god
