By: Ronald F. White, Ph.D. Professor of Philosophy College of Mount St. Joseph

Euthanasia Voluntary Euthanasia Involuntary Euthanasia Non-Voluntary Euthanasia Active Euthanasia Passive Euthanasia Double-Effect Euthanasia Suicide –Suicide assistance

Voluntary Euthanasia- –Includes: rational competent adults –Excludes: irrational, incompetent, children Involuntary Euthanasia –murder Non-Voluntary Euthanasia –Proxy consent Family, friends, physicians, legislators, governors, presidents, judges

Principle of Double-effect Motives and Morality When an act has “double effects” –Good effect –Bad effect –Side-effects The use of morphine in end-of-life situations

Argument from Mercy –“They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?” Argument From Liberty –Self-regarding Act Argument From Social Utility

Active Means-(Killing) Passive Means-(Letting Die) –Withholding: Treatment (antibiotics) Respirators (Quinlin Case) Food and Hydration (Cruzan Case) Problems with the Distinction –utility

Arguments Based on Divine Command –“Life is a Gift From God.” –“Thou Shalt Not Kill.” Arguments Based on Natural Law –“Let Nature Take It’s Course” Arguments based on Critique of Liberty –Desperation vs. Competence –Coercion Individual Social Arguments Based on Utility –Slippery Slope Arguments Voluntary, Non-Voluntary, Involuntary Passive, Double-Effect, Physician Assisted Suicide, Active Arguments Based on Justice –Genocide against the weak and powerless (poor, disabled)

Court Cases –Quinlin –Cruzan –Schiavo Euthanasia in the Netherlands Oregon’s “Death With Dignity Act” Zealous Advocacy –Dr. Kevorkian –Timothy Quill –Derek Humphrey’s “Final Exit“

Is voluntary active euthanasia ever morally justified? Should it be legal? Is the Is voluntary passive euthanasia morally justified? Should it be legal? Is it preferable to active? Is suicide ever morally justified? Should it be legal? Is it morally preferable to euthanasia? Is suicide assistance by a physician or family member ever morally justified? Should it be legal? Oregon law OK? Is double-effect euthanasia a viable alternative? Is there ever a “duty to die?” If so, under what conditions? What role (if any) should government play in regulating end-of life decisions. How does the “drug war” relate to end of life decision-making?