Key words on Medical Ethics In teams, write down as many key words and meanings as you can think of!

Revision – Medical Ethics

The Law on Abortion Abortion is the termination of a pregnancy which is illegal in Britain unless: The woman is less than 24 weeks pregnant and two Doctors agree that: Having the baby would be a greater risk to the woman’s mental or physical health than having an abortion Or the woman’s existing family would suffer if the pregnancy continued 2) At any stage of pregnancy two Doctors agree that: Having the baby would be a risk to the woman’s life Or the baby would be born with severe abnormalities

Roman Catholics ‘You shall not murder’ -Exodus 20:13 Catholics believe life begins at conception. Human life begins when an ovum is fertilised. This belief is known as ensoulment as this is when Catholics believe a person receives their soul. ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born. I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations’ - Jeremiah 1:5 Catholics believe life is holy and belongs to God therefore only God has the right to end a pregnancy. This is known as the sanctity of life.

The Doctrine of Double Effect (DDE) States that abortion can be carried out if the intention is not to kill the child but rather to save the life of the mother. Thus the death of the child is a ‘double effect’ not the actual intended effect.

‘Love your neighbour as yourself’ -Matthew 22:37-40 Church of England Many Anglicans believe that abortion is morally wrong . However they accept that it should be permissible in some situations, as it would be the lesser of two evils. This is view is based on Jesus' teachings and many feel in some situations allowing abortion is the most loving thing to do. ‘Love your neighbour as yourself’ -Matthew 22:37-40 As well as this many Anglicans do not believe life begins at conception.

Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 Sperm and egg donors must always remain anonymous. Donors have no legal rights over any children born as a result of their donation. Frozen embryos may be stored for a maximum of 10 years. Scientific experiments may only be carried out on embryos up until 14 days after conception. After this time they must not be kept alive.

Christian Attitude to Infertility No direct biblical teaching concerning fertility treatment. Biblical view of childlessness was that it was God’s intention because Sanctity of life and God is the giver and destroyer of life. However today most denominations accept IVF and AIH based on Jesus’ teaching. Many oppose AID – adultery However Roman Catholics oppose fertility treatment – ‘unnatural’ sexual acts e.g. masturbation.

Euthanasia From Greek meaning…… EUTHA= ‘Easy’ (sometimes translated as ‘good’) NASIA= ‘Death Sometimes a person’s quality of life is so poor they see no point carrying on their life so choose to end it. Quality of Life – the idea life must have some benefits to be worth living.

The Law Euthanasia is illegal under English law. Depending on the circumstances, euthanasia is regarded as either manslaughter or murder and is punishable with a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Euthanasia is currently only legal in Belgium, Holland and Luxembourg. Under the laws in these countries, a person’s life may be deliberately ended by their doctor.

‘grave violation of the law of God’ Catholic Teaching The Catholic Church teaches that euthanasia is a ‘grave violation of the law of God’ However, if large doses of painkillers are used to help a person’s suffering, and as a result, the person dies, this is OK. It is called the ‘doctrine of double effect’.

Anglican Teaching The Church of England teaches that although the deliberate taking of human life is forbidden, there are strong arguments for people not to be kept alive at all costs when they are suffering intolerable pain. Anglicans believe that Euthanasia is wrong, but do not regard switching off life support machines when someone is technically ‘brain-dead’ as wrong (as God has already decided to end this life).

Suicide Suicide is when a person ends their own life. In the UK less than one in 100 deaths every year is the result of suicide. In the past, suicide was consider a serious crime, it was illegal before 1961, and the Christian Church treated it as a sin. Most Christians believe that the right response to suicide is to be loving and forgiving. People who attempt suicide should be helped to overcome what made them want to kill themselves. People who do commit suicide should be regarded with respect and understanding not condemned. However the Catholic Church still believes it is a sin

Samaritans This is an organisation that was started in 1953 by Reverend Chad Varah who was a church of England vicar. It provides emotional support for anyone contemplating suicide. It provided the first telephone helpline and is open for anyone of any religion. They volunteers do not give advice they just listen.

Religious views on GM Roman Catholic Christians are against all Genetic Engineering as it uses embryos which they see as being human and planned by God. Church of England Christians will accept Genetic Engineering up the legal limit of 14 days. They see the benefits but worry that after this point the embryo is becoming too developed and could feel pain/distress if it has a nervous system.

However, they see it as acceptable in case of live saving drugs. Christian views Most Christians oppose the use of animal experimentation for trivial reasons such as testing make-up. However, they see it as acceptable in case of live saving drugs. The Bible shows that animals are creations of God and therefore are important. Other passages in the Bible teach that animals should be treated kindly and should not be exploited.

Religion and Medical Ethics Euthanasia Sanctity of life Attitudes to abortion Suicide Religion and Medical Ethics Attitudes to fertility treatment and genetic engineering Animals in medical research Treatment of criminals Cloning

Exam practice!  A01 Explain the views of one religion towards: (6 marks) Abortion Euthanasia Genetic engineering IVF   A02 Discussion (12 marks) Testing on animals is cruel and unnecessary’ ‘Everyone has the right to choose when to die’ ‘Abortion is no different from infanticide’ ‘Genetic Engineering is the only way to solve food shortages’

What do you think to each others plans? Read their plan and give it two stars and a wish. Two things good about it and a target to help them improve.