ethics- euthanasia

Question 1

euthanasia

Answer 1

• when a docor intentionally ends the life of a patient, usually with medication, to relieve them of their suffering

Question 2

assisted dying

Answer 2

• when a doctor provides a patient with the means and intstructions to end their own life, but the patient performs the final act

Question 3

update on the assisted dying bill 2024

Answer 3

• Passed second reading on 29 Nov 2024 (330–275).

Introduced by Kim Leadbeater (Labour).

Would allow assisted dying for terminally ill adults (≤6 months to live) with strict safeguards.

Supporters: stress autonomy, compassion, and reducing suffering.

Opponents: fear coercion and a “slippery slope.”

Public reaction: mixed; advocacy groups supportive (increase dignity and choice for patients), disability groups concerned (fear about protecting vulnerable populations)

Next steps: committee stage → further votes → House of Lords.

If passed: implementation may take up to two years.

Question 4

difference between euthanasia and assisted dying

Answer 4

• euthanasia is when a doctor administers medications with the intent of ending a patients life
• assisted dying is when a doctor provides these medications to a patient to administer themselves

Question 5

active euthanasia

Answer 5

involves the deliberate act of ending a person’s life, such as administering a lethal dose of medication or injection, with the intention of relieving the person’s suffering

Question 6

passive euthanasia

Answer 6

involves withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatments, such as ventilators, feeding tubes, or medication, with the intention of allowing the person to die naturally.

Question 7

difference between active and passive euthanasia

Answer 7

The key difference between active and passive euthanasia is that active euthanasia involves a positive act to end a person’s life, while passive euthanasia involves a decision to refrain from continuing medical treatment or support that is keeping the person alive

Question 8

what does the assisted dying bill propose?

Answer 8

Key conditions include:

Eligibility: Patients must be over 18, residents of England or Wales for at least a year, and registered with a GP.

Mental Capacity: Patients must demonstrate a clear, informed, and voluntary wish to die, free from coercion or external pressure.

Approval Process: Two independent doctors must confirm eligibility, with a seven-day gap between assessments. A High Court judge must also approve the request after reviewing evidence and potentially questioning the patient.

Administration: Patients would self-administer the prescribed medication, ensuring that no doctor or other individual directly ends their life.

Question 9

safeguards of the assisted dying bill 2024

Answer 9

The proposed law includes some of the strictest safeguards in the world.

It would be a criminal offence, punishable by up to 14 years in prison, to pressure or coerce someone into choosing assisted dying.

Healthcare professionals who object to participating in the process would not be compelled to do so, reflecting a neutral stance from organisations like the British Medical Association and the Royal College of Nursing.

Question 10

ethical arguments in support of euthanasia and medically assisted dying

Answer 10

Dignity: It would allow patients who are suffering to have a say in when they die and avoid the pain that often comes at the end of terminal illnesses such as cancer and end-stage organ failure.

Autonomy: Patients have a right to decide what happens to their own bodies and in their own lives, including when that life should end. Doctors are there to facilitate a patient’s wishes.

Safety: Some patients, in places such as the UK where assisted dying, is illegal, may commit unassisted suicide which can be more traumatic and dangerous for them (if the attempt leaves them more disabled) and anyone who finds them. Assisted suicide would prevent this.

Question 11

ethical arguments against euthanasia and mesically assisted dying

Answer 11

Sanctity of life: Many people believe life to be sacred, either for religious or non-religious reasons. Therefore, life should never be intentionally ended.

Slippery slope: It could be hard to determine who can and can’t get euthanasia, which means that some people could be euthanised when it is not in their best interests even if they want it.

Doctors playing God: Doctors are there to help and heal, not to kill. Some people believe that these laws would give doctors far too much power.

Question 12

tips for medicine interview questions on euthanasia

Answer 12

Be aware of the current law and show off your knowledge about how it is changing, especially in Scotland.

Think about weaving multiple topics together. If you are asked about the capacity to consent, for instance, you may also want to consider how this links to questions surrounding assisted dying for patients with mental illnesses.

Show both sides of the argument. This is a topic where a lot of people have strong views on both sides, and it’s important to be respectful of that. Bear in mind that the British Medical Association is neutral on euthanasia.

Question 13

example question: do you support the proposed bill that would legalise assisted dying in Scotland

Answer 13

Ultimately, the question of assisted death is incredibly complex and there are very valid arguments on both sides. Personally, I would support this bill.

I believe that the purpose of medicine is to allow people autonomy over their own lives and to facilitate their ability to live as they wish. This, for me, includes control over dying. In particular, I think that the choice to end your life with dignity, avoiding suffering, is valid and something that we should assist with. It would also prevent patients from feeling as though they have to take their own lives instead, which can be riskier, more traumatic, and less dignified.

I understand concerns that the bill could lead to patients being assisted to die who do not really need this, however, I believe that this can be safeguarded against. For instance, we could have firm rules on which patients are eligible and ensure that multiple doctors have to agree before the procedure takes place.

This is definitely a tough ethical issue and something that I’d like to read more about, but I do support the proposed bill to legalise assisted death in Scotland.