Inducing a painless death by deliberately
ending the life of a terminally or seriously ill
person. It offers them a peaceful and dignified
death
Types of euthanasia
Voluntary euthanasia - when a person
wishes to die and asks for help in doing so
Non-Voluntary euthanasia - when a person's
wishes cannot be given for some reason
Active euthanasia - actively doing something
to end a person's life e.g. a lethal injection
Passive euthanasia - not doing something that will pro
long a person's life e.g. not giving food or water
Church Views
ROMAN CATHOLICS - believe euthanasia is wrong
because and only God has the decision over life and
death
THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND - believe that the human rights
of each person must be valued and a person has a right to
refuse treatment but they will not support euthanasia
Arguments FOR euthanasia
if people have the right to harm the bodies by
taking drugs and smoking then a person
suffering has the right to die
there will be healing in heaven so why not speed
up the heeling process
should not prolong the pain for the patient, family and
friends
patient should die with dignity and not loose control of body and feel like a burden on
others
Jesus showed compassion to the sick and ill
Arguments AGAINST euthanasia
Goes against God's laws - it is murder
the patient may be unable to think clearly and make decisions
Doctors promise to save lives and never destroy them
Helping the sick teaches people to be compassionate and
caring to others
Suffering strengthens faith and trust in God
we cannot decide who lives and dies
Bible passages
'Thou shalt not murder'
'Do you not know that your body is a temple of the holy spirit,
who is in you......you are not your own, but we are bought at a
price. Therefore honour God with your body'
'God said let us make man in our own image
and in our own likeness'
Alternatives to euthanasia
The Hospice Movement
Founded by Cicely
emphasises compassionate care with expert pain relief
emphasises healing, if not physically then
spiritually
emphasises valuing the person and every moment of their life