1. EUTHANASIA: A Moral Dilemma
This lesson focuses on the meaning of euthanasia and some of the key vocabulary required for examination
Video: Whose Death is it Anyway (See Resources)
18th June 2010

2. What we know/think

3. Outline of this Topic Etymology of Euthanasia Key Words and Phrases
Case Studies
Dignity in Dying
The Roman Catholic Church
Evaluation of the Issue
Examination Practice

4. Web Resources www.dignityindying.org.uk www.euthanasia.com

5. Etymology of Euthanasia
The word Euthanasia comes from the Greek
Eu Qanatos
Eu Thanatos
which literally means:
Good Death
euthanasia involves ending the life of a person, at their request, who is terminally ill. It is also known as Mercy Killing or Assisted Suicide.

6. Key Vocabulary
Voluntary Euthanasia: Carried out at the direct request of the patient
Involuntary Euthanasia: Carried out with the involvement of the next-of-kin
Active Euthanasia: A direct action which ends the life of the patient (lethal injection)
Passive Euthanasia: Withdrawal of medical treatment which is prolonging the life of the patient (feeding tube)
Advance Directive/Living Will: A written statement in which the patient gives instructions about future medical treatment when s/he is unable to make their wishes known
Persistent Vegetative State: (PVS). A condition similar to a coma in which a person is awake but unaware of their condition/circumstances
Law of Double Effect: Treatment given to a patient that has a side effect that will cause death

8. Whose Death is it Anyway?
Watch the documentary from BBC Panorama
On the A3 sheet make brief notes about the FOUR case studies
In each case suggest at least TWO arguments FOR and AGAINST euthanasia
Explain what you would decide in each case, giving reasons for your decision and saying whether euthanasia can be justified.

13. NEXT LESSON – THE ARGUMENTS FOR LEGALISED VOLUNTARY EUTHANASIA