What is euthanasia
The deliberate act for ending someone’s life, who can’t do it themselves, to relieve suffering
What is the sanctity of life
The idea that all life is sacred because it is God given. Therefore, as God gives life, he can only take it away.
What is the quality of life
The general well being of a person in relation to their health/ happiness
Example of somebody who didn’t have a choice whether to be euthanised
Baby Charlotte. She was very underweight, born 3 months prematurely and had severe health issues.
However, her parents were devout Christians and wanted her to be kept alive at all costs, including using ventilators multiple times
What are the two types of euthanasia
Passive and Active
What is Passive euthanasia
This is legal in the UK and it allows people who are being kept alive by an unnatural method to die.
An example would be turning off their life support machine
What is active euthanasia
Killing someone to end suffering/ assisting someone to commit suicide. This could be through a lethal injection and it’s illegal in the UK
In what countries is active euthanasia legal
Switzerland (assisted suicide), Netherlands, Belgium and Canada
Difference between a hospice and carehome
A hospice is for all ages whereas à care home is for the elderly
What is ahimsa
Respect for all living things and avoidance of violence
Why are hospices an argument against euthanasia
They can improve the person’s quality of life and give them something to live for
