HUMANISM ON EUTHANASIA

1
HUMANISM ON EUTHANASIA
2

• Humanism is a belief system that uses moral
  principles based on reason and respect for
  others.
• We have individual rights and freedoms BUT
  individual responsibilities social cooperation
  and mutual respect are just as important.
• We only have one life and have to make the best
  of it. Need to make our own meaning and purpose.
• Use shared human values e.g. Golden Rule, UN
  Declaration of Human Rights
• Promote happiness and fulfilment in life for
  themselves and for others
• Consequences of actions are considered in
  decision making

3

• Humanists are usually in favour of euthanasia as
  they see it as being morally right. They think
  that quality of life is important, as is respect
  for people having control over their lives. So
  people should have the right to choose a painless
  and dignified end to their lives.

4

• Humanists see no difference between active and
  passive euthanasia as the outcome of both is the
  same. However, of the two, they would consider
  active euthanasia as being more preferable as it
  is quicker and kinder.

5

• They are concerned that that the patient should
  receive counselling, be assured there is no
  pressure and the request has been witnessed.
  They think that, where it is legal, several
  doctors have to be consulted and there is to be
  no hope of recovery.

6

• Humanists say that the example of Hitler as an
  argument against euthanasia is totally invalid.
  He did not offer voluntary euthanasia to
  terminally ill patients. There is a definite
  difference between voluntary and involuntary
  euthanasia

7

• We have already taken on role of God when we
  do operations, give vaccinations to save lives,
  prevent disease

8

• Humanists believe people should have autonomy
  over their own lives. Euthanasia gives respect
  to the individual to decide that his life no
  longer has meaning and value.
• Yes, life does have a special meaning but for
  some people that ceases to exist and so their
  request for euthanasia should be respected.