Passive Euthanasia

Paper Summary:

This paper contends that the euthanasia debate which is often heated and controversial, is part of the larger 'right to die' debate and is related to civil, personal freedom and liberty issues. In terms of a secular viewpoint and from the stance of legal and moral issues alone, the paper explains that euthanasia relates specifically to personal and individual freedom and should be morally and legally permissible. However, in the religious and non-secular context, the paper claims that active and passive euthanasia become severely problematic issues. The paper examines the theological and moral implications of any form of life-taking, including euthanasia, explaining that they are contrasted with religious teachings that emphasize sanctity of life and the relationship between the individual human life and God. The paper states that according to both the Judaic and Catholic perspectives and law, the implications of a religious perspective are that the patient does not have the sole right to his or her life and this life is, in a religious sense, an endemic part of the religious context from which it came.
Outline
Introduction
Brief Background
Active and Passive Euthanasia
The Jewish Position
Catholicism
Comparison and Conclusion

From the Paper:

"In essence there are four types of Euthanasia which are generally referred to. These are active, passive, voluntary and involuntary. Active euthanasia, which is the most contentious form, is when a patient's life is ended in an active and intentional way, usually in order to reduce suffering or terminate what the medial practitioner may view as a hopeless case. Passive euthanasia on the other hand is taking no direct action to end life, while at the same time also not taking steps to extend life unnaturally. "It is when a doctor withholds any means in order to prolong the life of a patient." (Ibrahim, D.E. 2002) Voluntary euthanasia refers to a patient's desire to end his own life. This refers to the personal decision by an individual or patent to terminate his or her own life. Involuntary euthanasia refers to the non-involvement of the patient, usually because he or she is not capable of making any decisions; for example when the patient is mentally ill or in a coma. (ibid)"

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