Revision for Euthanasia Nab

How many marks is the question worth?

• Is it KU?

• Then give information with reasons where possible / required

• Is it AE?• Then you MUST use words like:• Similarly• In contrast• In comparison• However• But• because• Like……also• In (dis)agreement with• Use information to start off your point, but it only counts

as AE once it is argued / discussed• AE must relate back to the question!

Voluntary euthanasia

• Requested by patient

• When of sound mind

• Choosing when they are ready to be helped to end their life, in a place of their choosing and with loved ones nearby

• Perhaps in a living will for future use when not able to express wishes

Involuntary/non voluntary euthanasia

• Considered to be in the patient’s best interests

• According to their wishes expressed in times gone by (living will or verbally)

• Taken by loved one or doctor responsible for the patient

• Please take care in reading if the question is asking about voluntary or involuntary – don’t assume you know which it is!!!

• If you write about the wrong one you

will get 0

Viewpoints

• If it asks for the ‘viewpoint of an organisation’ this means:

• Christianity – all views• or• Buddhism - all views• or• Humanism - all views• NOT JUST ONE VIEW FROM THE WHOLE

STANCE!!

Viewpoint of an organisation ‘independent of religion’

•YOU MUST MENTION

HUMANISM• Relate your arguments to the basis of

humanism / the principles they follow

• If you don’t mention the organisation, brilliant tho’ your answer might be you will

get ‘0’

BMA

• They act as a ‘watch dog’ and advisory committee for doctors.

• They recognise that euthanasia is illegal• Would remind doctors that it can lead to a prison

sentence of 14 years• June 2006 conference changed its stance from being

neutral to the issue - to being opposed to legalisation of euthanasia again. 65% doctors voted against euthanasia

• However they recognise the rights of the patient to refuse treatment, and accept voluntary passive euthanasia

• Accept the double effect of painkillers but would insist doctors are clear about their intentions in providing strong pain relief.

• Support doctors legally if they can justify their actions within the law.

UK Law

• Not legal- to kill another person, even if they ask you to is classed as murder

• Prison sentence of up to 14 years (manslaughter) for aiding or assisting, or counselling someone to take their own life

• Active euthanasia by side effect is legal i.e double effect

• Voluntary passive- refusing treatment is legal

Law in Netherlands

• 1984 VE became acceptable• Clear and defined official guidelines• Clear and explicit request from a patient of

sound mind who can’t reasonably look forward to recovery or improvement

• Not a condition to be terminally ill or physically suffering – used for mental suffering too

• Citizens of other countries are not allowed to go to Holland to seek euthanasia

• Only carried out by a doctor

• No doubt as to patient’s request

• Need to consult another doctor

• Unbearable pain with no prospect of improvement ( also including mental illness)

• Death must be reported to authorities as a case of euthanasia

Questions to ‘watch out for’ – i.e. be careful how you read them!!

• Compare and contrast the viewpoints– Do not list facts, use them to make an argument

• “ xyz” to what extent do you agree?– With the statement not the issue in general

• Which viewpoint give the most satisfactory response to a statement.– You might say that your viewpoint disagrees with the

statement BECAUSE– Use the viewpoint that backs you up