Euthanasia
Explain with illustrations the moral dilemmas raised by euthanasia. [30] or Examine the moral issues raised by euthanasia [30]
Assess the claim that euthanasia should be a human right. [20]
Religious Arguments
Examine the religious arguments for and against Euthanasia. [30]
Arguments FOR
Arguments AGAINST
Some Christians support euthanasia because Jesus taught his followers to love one another and to do the most loving thing. Keeping someone alive who is in pain and is suffering is evil and not loving.
Christians are against active euthanasia because it goes against the sanctity of life - every life is precious, holy and god given and therefore should be preserved. We are also made in God’s image so life is sacred.
Jesus taught that you should treat others how you wish to be treated. Many people when faced with pain, suffering and indignity would choose euthanasia.
God gave humans free will therefore, we should be allowed to use this to decide when our lives end.
Some Christians may also argue that where there is no quality of life euthanasia is acceptable e.g. the baptist church agreed that if a person is brain dead and there is no chance of recovery then that person should be allowed to die.
One of the ten commandments is ‘thou shalt not kill’ only god has the authority to give and take away life.
Jesus healed the sick and dying, he did not kill them so Christians have a duty to help others who are suffering.
The Roman Catholic church is totally against euthanasia and they see it in the same light as murder. Humanae Vitae (like the golden rule book for Roman Catholics) teaches that human life is sacred. The Church also teaches that we are stewards not owners of the life God has entrusted to us, it is not ours to dispose of. However, they do accept the use of pain killing drugs to relieve pain even if it shortens someone's life (double effect).
The church of England is also against euthanasia due to the sanctity of life. However they do believe that doctors shouldn’t just keep people alive for the sake of it regardless of quality of life.
Christians who are against Euthanasia support the hospice movement. Hospices not only care for the person's medical needs e.g. relieving pain but also care for the person's emotional wellbeing as well as supporting family and friends.
Euthanasia compatibility with religious arguments
Assess the claim that euthanasia is compatible with a religious approach to morality [20]
Arguments FOR
Arguments AGAINST
Sanctity of life argument - many religious believers would argue only God has the right to end life - we don’t have the right to choose.
Giving people the option of euthanasia gives people the option to end a life of pain e.g. Kay Gilderdale’s daughter, Dan James(rugby player)
Euthanasia gives people the freedom (free will) to make decisions about their own life.
Allowing people to choose euthanasia would shorten the grief and suffering for the patient's family. E.g. why prolong Kay Gilderdale’s suffering.
Humans should be able to live their lives in a dignified and respectful manner until they die. If a person loses their dignity then they should be able to end their lives. - quality of life!
Allowing people to choose euthanasia could be the most loving thing to do - Situation Ethics.
You have to take into account the person's motive for committing euthanasia - is it because they want to end their pain or is it because they feel like a burden on their family.
If Euthanasia is a human right it will affect others and society as a whole e.g. doctor who performs it and nurses.
Accepting euthanasia as a human right will reduce the respect that we have for life that people now hold.
The slippery slope argument - If we allow euthanasia what is next? E.g. killing of the handicapped?
Death does not have to be painful e.g. development in palliative care and the hospice movement allows people to die with dignity.