Revision for Euthanasia Nab

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Revision for Euthanasia Nab
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How many marks is the question worth?

• Is it KU?
• Then give information with reasons where possible
  / required

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• Is it AE?
• Then you MUST use words like
• Similarly
• In contrast
• In comparison
• However
• But
• because
• Likealso
• 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!

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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

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Involuntary/non voluntary euthanasia

• Considered to be in the patients 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

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• Please take care in reading if the question is
  asking about voluntary or involuntary dont
  assume you know which it is!!!
• If you write about the wrong one you will get 0

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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!!

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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 dont mention the organisation, brilliant
  tho your answer might be you will get 0

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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.

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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

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Law in Netherlands

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

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• Only carried out by a doctor
• No doubt as to patients 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

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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