Euthanasia ‘ A gentle, easy death; the bringing about of this especially in the cases of incurable and painful disease’

The Voluntary Euthanasia Society (Exit)  “ An adult person suffering from a severe illness, for which no relief is known, should be entitled by law to the mercy of a painless death, if and only if, that is their expressed wish.”  “ Doctors should be allowed to help incurable patients to die peacefully at their own request. The patient must have signed, at least 30 days previously, a declaration making their request known.”

The Case for voluntary euthanasia  It can quickly and humanely end a patient’s suffering.  It can help to shorten the grief and suffering of the patient’s loved ones.  Everyone has the right to decide how they should die.  If the law was changed, doctors could legally act on a patient’s desire to die without further suffering.

The Case for voluntary euthanasia  It would help others to face death if they realised they could die with dignity.  It would help doctors if they knew of their patient’s intentions.  The initial decision about euthanasia could be made when the individual was not under the stress of immediate suffering or anxiety.

The case against voluntary euthanasia  There are many pain killing drugs which can help a patient die with dignity.  A patient might not be able to make a rational decision or might change their mind and be incapable of then telling the doctors.  Many people recover after being ‘written off’ by doctors.  Old people might feel they are a nuisance to others and opt for euthanasia when in their hearts they want to continue living.

The case against voluntary euthanasia  Life is a gift from God and only God can take it away.  Euthanasia devalues life by making it disposable – it could be the first step on a slippery slope.  The relationship of trust between doctors and patients could be destroyed. Under the Hippocratic Oath doctors must try and preserve life.  If there were better facilities for caring for the dying, there would be less need for euthanasia.

A real letter  “ I have no family commitments, I suffer from diabetes, failing eyesight, skin disorders, arthritis and chronic narrowing of the arteries which has already resulted in the amputation of a leg……I am not afraid of death, but am afraid of the protracted suffering which would almost certainly precede my death in the natural course of events. Even more, I am afraid of the consequences of making an unsuccessful suicide attempt. During the six months I spent in hospital last year, numerous were the patient’s brought in for resuscitation after suicide attempts, and the memory of the sordid and horrifying sounds which ensued from behind the screens will never leave me. When the time comes, I shall need help, and it would be great comfort to me to know that there is a doctor to whom I can turn.”

Reactions  1. Explain how you think a Christian might react to the letter. Write back from a Christian viewpoint.  2. Explain how you think a Muslim might react to the letter. Write back from a Muslim viewpoint.

Formal debate  “ This House believes that a person has a right to die”