EUTHANASIA
Presented By : Group 2
Report Overview
What is Euthanasia?
History
The Types of Euthanasia
Moral Arguments
Legalities
Cases of Euthanasia
What is Euthanasia
Etymologically,
The word euthanasia is derived from two Greek word Eu which
means good or well, and thanatos which means death
Euthanasia,
Also called mercy killing, is the act of putting to death
painlessly or allowing to die by withholding extreme
medical measures from a person or animal suffering from
an incurable, especially painful disease or condition
What is Euthanasia
Euthanasia may be defined as an action in which a person is
intentionally killed or allowed to die because it is believed that the
individual would be better off dead
For example:
in the case of an irreversible coma, or the vegetative state or the
brain-dead state where there are no changes of revival
So, it means good-death, or dying-well, In short, it means to
purposively or intentionally bring a life to and end in-order to
release it from pain or suffering
It is also termed as mercy-killing. As it is seen as a call for mercy for
terminally ill patients
History
The word "Euthanasia" was first used in a medical context By
Francis Bacon in the 17TH Century
It's believed that euthanasia started in the ancient Greece and
Rome Around 5th Century B.C even
though the Hippocratic Oath was in place
-Abortions, Mercy killings
Hippocratic oath- "I will give no deadly medicine to anyone if
asked, nor suggest and such counsel".
History
Was not permitted during the middle ages
1478-1535, Sir Thomas More quoted most often as being the first prominent
Christian to recommend euthanasia.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, euthanasia become more of a topic of
discussion, but still rejected
1828, the first law against assisted killing, known as anti-euthanasia was passed in
New York
History
1870, The use of morphine and analgesic medications for assisting quick and painless
death was suggested
1886, The American Medical Association (AMA) adamantly denied use of the
analgesics for euthanasia.
1994, Netherlands ecomes the first country to allow euthanasia
1998, Oregon's Death with Dignity law was enacted
2001, Belgium adopted euthanasia law for doctors to avoid penal punishment.
2008, Washington State in the U.S. legalizes assisted suicide.
Types of Euthanasia
Passive
Active
Voluntary
Involuntary
Non-voluntary
Assisted
Indirect
Passive Euthanasia
Passive euthanasia is when needs aren't met purposefully.
Example: When someone lets the person die by taking away and
withholding treatment (turning off a machine needed to keep the
person alive; or not performing a surgery that will prolong the person's
life)
Active Euthanasia
Brought on by the intentional act of causing the death of a patient
experiencing great suffering.
To end someone's life by use of drugs
Overdosing on painkillers
Voluntary Euthanasia
Committed with the willing or independent cooperation of person,
resulting in the person being free of direct or indirect pressure
from others around them
It is voluntary when it is requested by the person, personally to end
one's life in a pain-less manner.
For example, a patient ailing with an untreatable disease request
to cut his/her life short
It is legal in Belgium, Columbia, Netherland and Canada.
Involuntary Euthanasia
Occurs when the person is unconscious
Occurs when the person is unable to make the choice themselves due
to extenuating circumstances
In other word, euthanasia is performed on the person without asking
for his/her consent.
It is illegal in all countries
Non-voluntary Euthanasia
When the person is not able to indicate (or is unconscious) whether
or not he or she want to undergo euthanasia or to simply put, when
the concerned person's consent is unavailable
For example; adults who have permanently lost consciousness,
infants, etc
It is illegal in all countries
Assisted Euthanasia
Assisted euthanasia is a medical procedure in which a healthcare
professional provides assistance to a terminally ill or suffering individual
to end their life, typically through the administration of medication or
other means, to relieve their pain and suffering. This practice is often
legally regulated and can be referred to as "physician-assisted suicide" in
some contexts.
The suicide of a patient suffering from an incurable disease
Taking of lethal drugs provided by a doctor for this purpose
Indirect Euthanasia
More morally accepted
Treatment that is being provided is to manage the pain, but is also
shortening the Person's life in the process
Giving person morphine for pain management at the end
stages of life
Legalities
In Europe, Only legal in the Netherlands and Belgium once certain criteria are met.
Request must be voluntary and well thought through
Must be suffering physical or mental pain that is unbearable with no prospective cure
Must be informed about the situation at hand
Must have at least on other consultation from a doctor
Belgium requires the person to be an adult as opposed to the Netherlands where children
between ages of 12-16 years are allowed with parental/guardian consent.
Where is it Legal?
As of 2016 to 2023
Netherlands
Belgium
Columbia
Luxembourg
Spain
And all six states of Australia
Assisted Suicide is legal in :
Switzerland
Germany
Japan (only passive euthanasia is allwoed when in a coma for 3+ months)
Canada
United States (Washington, Oregon, Vermont, Montana, and California
Result and Findings
Valentina Maureira
Brittany Maynard
Thank You
