revision for euthanasia nab. how many marks is the question worth? is it ku? then give information...
TRANSCRIPT
Revision for Euthanasia Nab
How many marks is the question worth?
• Is it KU?
• Then give information with reasons where possible / required
• Is it AE?• Then you MUST use words like:• Similarly• In contrast• In comparison• However• But• because• Like……also• In (dis)agreement with• Use information to start off your point, but it only counts
as AE once it is argued / discussed• AE must relate back to the question!
Voluntary euthanasia
• Requested by patient
• When of sound mind
• Choosing when they are ready to be helped to end their life, in a place of their choosing and with loved ones nearby
• Perhaps in a living will for future use when not able to express wishes
Involuntary/non voluntary euthanasia
• Considered to be in the patient’s best interests
• According to their wishes expressed in times gone by (living will or verbally)
• Taken by loved one or doctor responsible for the patient
• Please take care in reading if the question is asking about voluntary or involuntary – don’t assume you know which it is!!!
• If you write about the wrong one you
will get 0
Viewpoints
• If it asks for the ‘viewpoint of an organisation’ this means:
• Christianity – all views• or• Buddhism - all views• or• Humanism - all views• NOT JUST ONE VIEW FROM THE WHOLE
STANCE!!
Viewpoint of an organisation ‘independent of religion’
•YOU MUST MENTION
HUMANISM• Relate your arguments to the basis of
humanism / the principles they follow
• If you don’t mention the organisation, brilliant tho’ your answer might be you will
get ‘0’
BMA
• They act as a ‘watch dog’ and advisory committee for doctors.
• They recognise that euthanasia is illegal• Would remind doctors that it can lead to a prison
sentence of 14 years• June 2006 conference changed its stance from being
neutral to the issue - to being opposed to legalisation of euthanasia again. 65% doctors voted against euthanasia
• However they recognise the rights of the patient to refuse treatment, and accept voluntary passive euthanasia
• Accept the double effect of painkillers but would insist doctors are clear about their intentions in providing strong pain relief.
• Support doctors legally if they can justify their actions within the law.
UK Law
• Not legal- to kill another person, even if they ask you to is classed as murder
• Prison sentence of up to 14 years (manslaughter) for aiding or assisting, or counselling someone to take their own life
• Active euthanasia by side effect is legal i.e double effect
• Voluntary passive- refusing treatment is legal
Law in Netherlands
• 1984 VE became acceptable• Clear and defined official guidelines• Clear and explicit request from a patient of
sound mind who can’t reasonably look forward to recovery or improvement
• Not a condition to be terminally ill or physically suffering – used for mental suffering too
• Citizens of other countries are not allowed to go to Holland to seek euthanasia
• Only carried out by a doctor
• No doubt as to patient’s request
• Need to consult another doctor
• Unbearable pain with no prospect of improvement ( also including mental illness)
• Death must be reported to authorities as a case of euthanasia
Questions to ‘watch out for’ – i.e. be careful how you read them!!
• Compare and contrast the viewpoints– Do not list facts, use them to make an argument
• “ xyz” to what extent do you agree?– With the statement not the issue in general
• Which viewpoint give the most satisfactory response to a statement.– You might say that your viewpoint disagrees with the
statement BECAUSE– Use the viewpoint that backs you up