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WHAT ARE THE BARRIERS TO THE LEGALISATION OF EUTHANASIA IN THE UK?
Notes document
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, Sources Notes - Final
Author unknown – Published (Unknown) – Informative website – Wikipedia – ‘Euthanasia’
Bibliography Entry: Wikipedia Contributors (2018). Euthanasia. [online] Wikipedia. Available at:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euthanasia.
Whilst this source is heavily informative and aids me in gaining further basic knowledge around the subject, the
information given is somewhat unreliable as it has open contributions from the public. Whilst many of the ideas
are referenced, I must make sure that when I extract information from this website, that I double check to make
sure it is factually correct. Despite this, there is a wealthy amount of information that will prove invaluable to my
essay.
Usefulness Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 3
Definition of key terms
Definition: Euthanasia (derived from euthanatos meaning good death) is the practice of intentionally ending life to
relieve suffering and pain, as opposed to a slow, painful and undignified one.
Definition: Voluntary euthanasia is when a person wills to have their life ended and is legal in a growing number of
countries.
Definition: Non-voluntary euthanasia occurs when a patient's consent is unavailable and is legal in some countries
under certain limited conditions, in both active and passive forms.
Definition: Involuntary euthanasia, which is done without asking for consent or against the patient's will, is illegal in
all countries and is usually considered murder.
Opposing argument for euthanasia
- That people have a right to self-determination, and thus should be allowed to choose their own fate.
- Assisting a subject to die might be a better choice than requiring that they continue to suffer.
- The distinction between passive euthanasia, which is often permitted, and active euthanasia, which is not
substance
- Permitting euthanasia will not necessarily lead to consequences – pro euthanasia activists argue euthanasia
has been implemented in Belgium and the Netherlands in a mostly unproblematic manner.
Supporting argument for euthanasia
- Not all deaths are painful.
- Alternatives, such as cessation of active treatment, combined with the use of effective pain relief, are
available.
- The distinction between active and passive euthanasia is morally significant.
- Legalising euthanasia will place society on a slippery slope.
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, Sources Notes - Final
Religious views
Christianity – Roman Catholic Church condemns euthanasia and assisted suicide as morally wrong. It states that
“intentional euthanasia, whatever its form or motive, is murder. It is gravely contrary to the dignity of the human
person and to the respect due to the living God”. The Church of England accepts passive euthanasia under some
circumstances but is strongly against active euthanasia.
Islam – In general it is considered against Islamic law and holy texts. The early termination of life is a crime according
to interpretations of the Qur’an and Hadith, be it suicide or helping one commit suicide. The various positions on the
cessation of medical treatment are contrary to one another, however the majority of Muslim countries see any form
of euthanasia or assisted suicide as a crime.
Judaism – Passive euthanasia was declared legal by Israel’s highest court under certain conditions and has reached
some level of acceptance. Active euthanasia remains illegal; however, the topic is actively under debate with no
consensus.
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