Matters Of Life And Death

Question 1

Abortion

Answer 1

The deliberate destruction of an unborn foetus

Question 2

Arguments against abortion

Answer 2

All human life is sacred and equal, abortion contradicts the Hippocratic Oath, people should take responsibility for unprotected sex, abortion can harm the mother, disabled people can still live normal and healthy lives

Question 3

Arguments for abortion

Answer 3

Women have the right to bodily autonomy, an embryo is just a cluster of cells, a woman is more than a foetus container, aborting a foetus is better than birthing a child who can’t live a healthy life, labour could have a negative impact on the mother’s physical and mental health

Question 4

Alternatives to abortion

Answer 4

Keep the baby, adoption, fostering

Question 5

Different types of euthanasia

Answer 5

Voluntary euthanasia is when a person asks or agrees to die

Non voluntary euthanasia is when a person can’t physically consent due to their condition

Active euthanasia is administered via powerful painkillers

Passive euthanasia is done by withholding/withdrawing medical care

Question 6

Arguments for euthanasia

Answer 6

A person has the right the die if they choose and to rob them of that right is to rob them of their dignity

A civilised society should allow people to die without pain

Euthanasia prevents mental distress to the patient and family

Palliative care may not be enough

Question 7

Arguments against euthanasia

Answer 7

Proper palliative care largely renders euthanasia unnecessary

All life should be valued

Death is an extreme and preemptive solution to someone’s suffering

It may pressure the terminally ill into dying