Revision for Euthanasia Nab

1. Revision for Euthanasia Nab

2. How many marks is the question worth? • Is it KU? • Then give information with reasons where possible / required

3. 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!

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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!!

8. 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’

9. 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.

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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