Question

Euthanasia

Use examples and explain the difference between passive and active euthanasia. Name and explain one argument (make sure it’s an argument – not just a conclusion) against euthanasia/physician-assisted suicide that is not the slippery slope argument (against it). Explain a slippery slope argument against euthanasia/p.a. suicide. How does the Death with Dignity Act work? What requirements must be met?

Answer 1

1. Difference between active and inactive euthanasia

Active euthanasia	Inactive euthanasia
It is when death is brought by an act. eg. When a person is killed by giving overdose/ high dose of drugs. To end a person's life by the use of drugs, either by oneself or by the aid of a physician.	When death is brought by an omission. e.g. When someone lets the person die, this can be done by withdrawing or withholding treatment. Withdrawing treatment : switching off a machine that keeps the person alive. Withholding treatment : Not carrying out a surgery that will extend life of the person for a short time.

2. It destroys life which has potential that is yet unknown to the patient, doctor or the family member.

We cannot determine the lifespan of a patient. Infact, the person that we found very sick will remain alive for years. To destroy the life of a person that still have the potential to live is wrong. There are so many cases who are recovered from a lots of problems/ health issues that the other feels they will not. A person with strong power of judgement and courage often face situations intelligently than others can. It also cause emotional and psychological pressure over the patient. But dying with the patient's will is a kind of suicide. Though it destroys a life of a person, it reduces the suffering of the patient in a positive way. The person who is very sick and has to suffer from pain that is unbearable for him can be considered eventhough he / she has the potential is a kind of saving from suffering,

3. The slippery slope argument claims that the acceptance of certain practices, such as physician assisted suicide or voluntary euthanasia, will invariably leads to the acceptance or practice of concepts which are currently deemed unacceptable such as non - voluntary or involuntary euthanasia.

4. In 1997, Oregon became the first state to pass an inititative allowing the terminally ill patients to self administer prescriptions for legal drugs to end their lives. The law was passed in Oregon in 1994 and went on to effect in to 1997. Dying with dignity is a movement that promotes the ability to meet the death on our own terms. Dying with dignity involves offering options to terminally ill patients other than just waiting for the illness to kill them slowly. There are two major ways to die with dignity : suicide and euthanasia.

5. Requirement

The requirements are

• the person should be an adult resident of a state where such a law is in effect
• mentally competent person, capable of making and communicating health care decisions
• diagnosed with terminal illness that will lead to death with in six months as confirmed by two physicians.
• There should be two oral request, one written request, waiting periods and other requirements.