Euthanasia and assisted suicide

Cards (4)

  • UK law:
    • illegal in the uk
    • pressure on parliament to allow it for terminally ill people
    • switzerland allows assisted suicide
  • Application of natural moral law to EAS:
    • Breaches the primary precept to worhsip god (life is gods gift to humans), preserve innocent life (only god can take away life), ordered society (encourages discrimination against disabled)
    • could lead to involuntary euthanasia
    • suffering enables spiritual growth and compassion from family
    • catholic church allows switching off technology or medication that prolongs dying
  • Application of situation ethics to EAS:
    • Fletcher supported voluntary euthanasia as commandment of murder could be broken for love
    • choice should be rational and freely made
    • more than one doctor should agree
    • so effect of physical or psychological reason behind the reason to die
  • Appliaction of virtue ethics to EAS:
    • Aristotle opposed suicide as it is a cowardly act going against the virtue if courage.
    • goes against justice as it deprives society of a useful citizen
    • goes with compassion