Euthanasia: Understanding the Controversial Practice of Ending Life, Study notes of Ethics

Download Euthanasia: Understanding the Controversial Practice of Ending Life and more Study notes Ethics in PDF only on Docsity! Forum: Special Conference (SPC) Issue: The question of euthanasia and its usage Student Officer: Divyanshi Gupta Position: Deputy Chair Introduction “The right to life” some claim, “The right to death” others argue. Mankind is constantly evolving. Moving through time, our human race ventures towards constant development of technological, medical, and biological procedures and methods to ease the mundane life. The expediency is a double- edged sword, and although it ambitions to make human life simpler, the obstacle is the unavoidable dispute several methodologies necessitate. Euthanasia is a similar method, although facilitating evolutionary advancements, it is often criticized for its controversial nature. Euthanasia typically refers to a method procedure that intentionally ends the life of a patient for their benefit. It is a procedure where a patient dies without suffering, mostly induced by taking medication or injecting a substance. Several nations question the ethicality of the process of euthanasia, with very few nations legalizing the process with exceptions. Although, in a few nations the method can be deemed legal if a patient is in a vegetative state, in most nations it is illegal. Nations such as the Netherlands, Belgium, and Canada, have legalized this procedure. The United Nations Human Rights Council has also remained silent on the topic of euthanasia due to its controversial nature, because even though the process limits the human right to life, it also provides humans with the right to die. Definition of Key Terms Euthanasia Types of Euthanasia Type Definition Voluntary Euthanasia Voluntary Euthanasia is when an individual’s life is terminated at their request to dismiss them from physical suffering. Non-voluntary Euthanasia Non- voluntary Euthanasia is when a patient’s life is intentionally terminated, however the explicit consent is unavailable. Examples include when an individual is in a vegetative state, or in the case of a young child. Involuntary Euthanasia Involuntary Euthanasia is when Euthanasia is performed against a patient’s will or consent. This occurs when a patient is not asked or does not want to die. Active Euthanasia Active Euthanasia refers to the death of a patient through the dispensation of lethal substances directly and with intent Passive Euthanasia Passive Euthanasia refers to the omission or with-drawl of life-sustaining or preserving treatment Indirect Euthanasia Indirect euthanasia refers to the prescription of medication that provides short- term relief, however can terminate the life of the patient in the long-term. Assisted suicide Assisted suicide is when a person deliberately helps or aids another person, who wants to die, to kill themselves. Competence A patient is competent when they understand their medical condition as well as the effects and risks of their medication, disease, and treatment. They must also be able to communicate their wishes Dignity Dignity refers to human beings merely existing, independent to the action of any other individual DNR Animal shelters manage a total of 6 to 8 million animals per year, out of which 4 million are left abandoned. Animal shelters cannot humanely support all these animals, forcing them to live in small cages on a minimal food diet. However, the other option available leads them to roam the streets homeless, without food or shelter. With a high supply of animals and a low number of resources available to support them, sometimes the most human option is euthanasia. The Veterinary Medical Association of the world has also mentioned that an injection of sodium pentobarbital given by skilled medical professionals is the most sympathetic method of “putting down” an animal. However, the problem occurs when cruel and intolerable methods of killing animals are utilized. Some animals are killed using gunshots, and many times the animals survive the first shot, leading them to be shot repeatedly after. Furthermore, several animal shelter facilities even utilize gas chambers to kill animals causing animals to die with muscular spasms and seizures. Moreover, although absolutely horrifying, several shelters in the USA still use the process of electrocution. Major Parties Involved The United States of America Oregon implemented the Death with Dignity act on October 27th 1997. This On October 27, 1997, Oregon implemented the Death with Dignity Act, which implied in critical condition patients could end their lives via passive euthanasia. All things considered, a doctor would need to endorse medicine for the ultimate objective to be accomplished. Over time other states such as Washington, Colorado, Vermont, California, and Hawaii legalized the process of passive euthanasia. However, the American Medical Association criticized this appealing, “allowing physicians to participate in assisted suicide would do more harm than good”. Canada Canada legalized euthanasia from June 2016. However, one of the prerequisites that is required for a person to acquire euthanasia is that agree needs to reliably be communicated, not suggested. In 2017, almost 2000 patients were conceded euthanasia, excluding the locales that didn't report the demonstration. The Netherlands Since 2001, active Euthanasia has been authorized in the Netherlands. Following 30 years of discussion they at last reached the resolution that there ought to be a law that incorporates lawfulness of euthanasia and assisted suicide. Several nations followed this decision such as Belgium and Luxembourg. Moreover, if a person is over the age of 70 they may appeal for euthanasia. Switzerland Switzerland does not have a law that promotes assisted suicide, however, with assistance from an escape clause in the Swiss law, which decriminalizes suicide, it is essentially lawful. Euthanasia, notwithstanding, is unlawful. Islamic World As per the Muslim conviction, assisted suicide and euthanasia are not seen as reasonable exemptions to the executing rule in Islam. Thus, while the western aspect of the world may keep on authorizing the training, it is improbable that the conspicuous Muslim world will follow the point of reference. In January 2018, Saudi Arabia suggested a medical liability bill to ban the termination of life for any reason, medical included. United Nations The issue of Euthanasia hasn’t been authoritatively discussed to in an UNHRC meeting of the UN. In a gathering of the Human Rights Council in 2017, the contention, in any case, was referenced in a discussion concerning abortion. It seemed that the many member states agreed that “euthanasia does not violate the right to life if carried out on terminally ill patients” Catholic Church The Catholic Church has commonly accentuated its solid position against euthanasia, expressing that the one in particular who ought to have the option to take life is God. Doctors ought to rather attempt to recuperate the patient (if conceivable), or comfort their patients in their last hours. The Jewish Community additionally prohibits the demonstration of Euthanasia in itself, expressing that individuals should battle unto their withering breath forever; self-destruction or killing would show that one isn't appreciative towards God for the existence that has been given. NGOs Several organizations such as UK’s “Dying with Dignity” or “the Patient’s rights council” that informed the patients of all the consequences and knowledge about Euthanasia and assisted suicide. Examples of global NGOs include “Exit” in Zurich, Switzerland and “Compassion and Choices” based in the USA. Exit is available for Swiss citizens, however, C&C is available for anyone, in most states in the USA. Timeline of key events Date Event Outcome 1828 The first law in New York against assisted suicide Many other American followed this example 1870 Samuel Williams practiced euthanasia using morphine The initial known civilian use of a drug for euthanasia stirred a lot of debate. 1915 A doctor (Dr. Haiselden) allows. Deformed baby to die instead of providing surgery Demonstrates the initial conditions and process of child euthanasia. 1935 The Voluntary Euthanasia Legislation Society was founded This allowed for public opinion on assisted suicide. 1937 The US senate introduced the voluntary Euthanasia act. Increased cases of euthanasia and regulated the process. 1940’s Involuntary Euthanasia was first utilized by the Nazi’s Hospitals and doctors were permitted. To make decisions to kill patients. This caused the involuntary death of over 70,000 patients. 1967 The first ever living will was written, which included life- sustaining interventions a person wants due to suffering with no hope of recovery. This led to the development of the conditions required to perform euthanasia on a patient. 2001 Euthanasia was legalized in Netherlands This led to an increase of euthanasia cases in Netherlands and further promoted the concept in other nations June 7, 2016 Canada legalizes Physician-Assisted suicide This led to an increase of euthanasia cases in Canada