Euthanasia Comparative Ethics and Law

What is Euthanasia? “granting painless death to a hopelessly ill patient with a non- curable disease.” Distinction between euthanasia and murder

Types of Euthanasia Passive Voluntary Involuntary Active

Historical Review Before the Twentieth Century… Socrates Plato Aristotle Sixth Commandment Hippocratic Oath Dr. Charles Goddard

1930’s Euthanasia Society Voluntary Euthanasia Bill

1940’s Judge Earengey of England Geneva version of Oath

1950’s Dr. Joseph Fletcher “society is willing to oppose death but not permit it”

1960’s Living Will Euthanasia Educational Fund

1970’s Natural death laws Case of Karen Ann Quinlan

Movement for Euthanasia Derek Humphry Jean’s Way Hemlock Society Dr. Jack Kevorkian Nancy Cruzan

Opinions on Euthanasia Dr. Charles Dougherty - “legalizing euthanasia would harm society” William Carr - “people will want the comfort of knowing that if they choose, a physician will be ready, willing, and able to help them…by offering a death with dignity”

Dr. Timothy Quill - “important goals are not about assisted suicide but about good care for dying people Dr. Arthur Caplan - “assisted suicide is going to become and attractive solution”

Ethical Standpoint Religious Beliefs (Roman Catholic) Ronald Otremba- “active euthanasia is never morally justified” Derek Humphry- “decisions about dying are highly personal and that euthanasia should not be denied to those who choose it”

Hospice programs as an alternative

Euthanasia and Public Policy Current Legislation Oregon legalizing euthanasia (Death with Dignity Act) Legislation of euthanasia in other countries

As of Now… Derek Humphry today 1999 sentence of Jack Kevorkian Pain Relief Promotion Act Still a debatable subject and will continue to be….