Abstract This paper states that doctor assisted suicide in the form of passiveeuthanasia and activeeuthanasia under certain conditions are morally justified. The author reasons that this moral justification is based on the basic ethical principle that human suffering should not be prolonged by medical science simply to extend physical life. The paper relates that rational egoism, which claims that the promotion of one's own interests is always in accordance with reason, justifies euthanasia because terminally ill human beings have the inherent right to protect their own interests by refusing medical treatment.
From the Paper "Doctor assisted suicide in the form of passive euthanasia, and active euthanasia under certain conditions, is morally justified because of the basic ethical principle that human suffering should not be prolonged by medical science simply to extend physical life. Rational egoism, which "claims that the promotion of one's own interests is always in accordance with reason" (Mosely) justifies euthanasia, because terminally ill human beings have the inherent right to protect their own interests by refusing medical treatment. They are the moral guardians of their own lives and the ultimate authority to be considered; not doctors, lawyers, insurance companies, nor the government."
Abstract This paper examines the moral issue involved in passiveeuthanasia of Down Syndrome infants with congenital defects. The paper presents different views of passive and activeeuthanasia and investigates the ethics of each.
From the Paper "The topic for this research paper is Passive Euthanasia: Is it Immoral to Allow Down Syndrome Infants With Congenital Defects to Die? The thesis statement is that it is not immoral to allow a Down syndrome infant with congenital defects to die."
Abstract 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 passiveeuthanasia 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 PassiveEuthanasia 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)"
Abstract This paper focuses on euthanasia or assisted suicide and in particular the differences between its active and passive forms. It examines how passiveeuthanasia refers to hastening the death of a person by not treating a life threatening condition or by not taking any extraordinary measures to save a patients life who may either be in severe pain or terminally ill. Activeeuthanasia means causing death of a person through an action which directly contributes to that person's death.
Outline
Passive and ActiveEuthanasia The Conflict Between Active and PassiveEuthanasia When is Physician Assisted Suicide Permissible?
What is an Incompetent or Vegetable-Like State?
Personal Opinion
From the Paper "The American Medical Association and the American judicial system clearly state that "active euthanasia" and "passive euthanasia" are different and that in simple terms the difference between the two is killing (active) and allowing to die (passive). Active Euthanasia is punishable by the strictest penalties to be found in our legal system, while Passive Euthanasia is not even a misdemeanor. The question does arise though, whether, in terms of outcome and how that outcome is achieved, do these two terms really differ?"
Abstract This paper discusses a variety of issues involved in natural, or passive, euthanasia. The paper details the pros and cons of natural passiveeuthanasia. Then the paper compares passive and activeeuthanasia, including the moral issues involved. The paper also reviews the religious points of view on this issues, focusing on Christian ethics. The paper concludes by offering guidelines for making life and death decisions.
From the Paper "Euthanasia, a term which means a good or happy death, is one of the most controversial subjects addressed in medicine, law and ethics. Norman L Geisler stated that there are two types of euthanasia...."
Tags:euthanasia, passive natural euthanasia, active euthasia, Christian ethics
Abstract The paper contends that activeeuthanasia should never be legalized because it is morally wrong. The paper explores passiveeuthanasia, which is generally accepted when it is clear that a person wants to have no extraordinary measures taken to prolong his/her life. The paper discusses how nurses must be familiar with the complexities of euthanasia. The paper explains that a request for activeeuthanasia can result in a serious ethical dilemma for the nurse who is unprepared and who has not determined a personal ethical stance.
From the Paper "Active euthanasia and assisted suicide will very probably never be legalized in Canada. I agree because the ethical principle relating to autonomy is violated in cases of assisted suicide, irrespective of whether or not the patient's consent is given. The view of the Canadian government on assisted suicide has been clear through the 1993 case of Sue Rodriguez. This woman was suffering from Lou Gehrig's disease and requested the right to assisted suicide. A painful death was inevitable and she wished official approval of her eventual need for assisted suicide. The government's decision can be viewed in two ways. First of all, as stated by the court, "Fundamental justice required that a fair balance be struck between the interests of the state and those of the individual" (Kondro, 1993, p. 918). The principle at work was justice and determining what was the best course for all individuals. Assisted suicide, if legalized, can lead to abuse. The other viewpoint is that the court's decision was based on a slippery slope or fear of possible negative outcomes."
Abstract In this article the writer discusses and explains the different forms of euthanasia. The writer looks at both sides of the euthanasia argument. The writer notes that those in favor of euthanasia bring up the comparison of passiveeuthanasia to activeeuthanasia and then discusses the differences. The writer covers issues such as doctor-assisted suicide and voluntary or involuntary euthanasia. In conclusion, the writer argues that euthanasia is ethically, morally and, should be, legally right for people whose medical condition is terminal, and whose suffering and hardship outweigh the benefit of trying to prolong their life.
From the Paper "Euthanasia has three sub-categories that can go along with either the passive or active definition. These include voluntary, involuntary, and non-voluntary. The firs sub-category is voluntary. This simply enough means that the patient willingly and capably made the choice. The second sub-category is involuntary. Involuntary, on the other hand, means that the choice was made without the patient's approval, who is otherwise capable of making the decision. Non-voluntary refers to the choice being made for an incompetent patient who is not believed to be capable of making the choice for himself. These three sub-categories play a major factor in how euthanasia is viewed and determined legally."
Abstract This paper introduces and analyzes the topic of euthanasia. Specifically, it discusses the morality of euthanasia and its outlook for the future in the United States. Euthanasia is a hotly debated topic, and one that still must be addressed by the people and the courts of the United States, for the good of all concerned.
Outline
Introduction and Thesis
Definition of Euthanasia PassiveEuthanasia Removing Life Support
ActiveEuthanasia Moral Issues
Moral and Religious Beliefs
Die With Dignity
Personal Experience
Ethical Issues
Death With Dignity Act in Oregon
Conclusion
Similarity to Netherlands Laws
From the Paper "The moral issues surrounding euthanasia are great, and show no signs of disappearing due to legislation or law anytime soon. There are too many vocal opponents to euthanasia, who believe it is morally wrong to end a life before it is ended naturally, no matter what the reasoning behind the euthanasia. In other words, it is morally wrong to end the suffering of another human being. The Catholic Church, as well as many other pro-life and religious groups condones this moral outlook. Usually, when euthanasia has been tested in the courts, it is because of these moral and religious beliefs. The proponents of euthanasia feel everyone has a right to die, just as they have a right to live, and everyone has the right to die with their dignity intact."
Abstract This is an article that examines the two sides of the debate regarding euthanasia. The writer exposes the two sides of the discussion concerning the ethics of what is called active and passiveeuthanasia. The writer also discusses the American Medical Association's (AMA) policy on the topic.
From the Paper "James Rachels suggests that the distinction between active and passive euthanasia is critical to the discussion of medical ethics, as it relates to death, dying patients' rights, parents' rights and doctors' legal as well as moral and ethical duties. Rachels makes it clear that the AMA's position is that active euthanasia is never permissible under any circumstances even though many doctors admit to having advised patients about how to end their lives and despite the practices of hospice programs in which terminal patients are administered sufficient amounts of ... "
Tags:Active, passive, death, dying, suffering, doctors role, moral dilemma, euthenasia
Abstract This paper looks at euthanasia and how it comprises of both voluntary as well as involuntary execution of life. It provides a definition of the different types from physician assisted suicide to passiveeuthanasia. It discusses how committing suicide or trying to commit suicide throughout North America is no longer considered a criminal offense while supporting or assisting any kind of help to another person to commit suicide is a criminal act. It analyzes its justification together with mass opinion and ethical and religious aspects.
From the Paper "Being a legal act, suicide is theoretically accessible to everyone. However, person suffering from some difficult sickness or who is hospitalized or may be in a disabled position may not be able to use this alternative, either due to some mental or physical restrictions. As a result, they are being distinguished against due to their disability. Thus, many argue that shouldn"t they be given the same right to the suicide alternative as those with able-bodied" However, many argue that the anguish and suffering a person going through by terminally ill is controllable to tolerable extents by means of proper management. Also, according to such people there is no need for physician assisted suicide. Though, there are tens of millions of people in North America who do not have access to ample pain management and tens of millions who are not even getting proper healthcare coverage. "
Abstract This paper examines and analyzes the moral and practical arguments of passiveeuthanasia. Leading experts such as James Rachels and Daniel Callahan are quoted, and a comprehensive overview of the debate is offered.
Abstract This paper analyzes the article "Active and PassiveEuthanasia," by James Rachels. It distinguishes between active and passiveeuthanasia and explains Rachels? arguments that activeeuthanasia is morally permissible. In addition, it discusses the extent to which his arguments illustrate Kantian and utilitarian considerations.
From the Paper "Rachels is an advocate of physician-assisted suicide, or euthanasia, and he wants to convince the American Medical Association (AMA) to change their definition of euthanasia, allowing doctors to allow terminally ill patients with no hope of recovery to be euthanized. His arguments for euthanasia are effective and compelling, and though directed at physicians, they are of interest to anyone thinking about euthanasia for themselves or a loved one. Rachels discusses the differences between "killing and letting die" (Rachels 561), and discusses specific cases where allowing the patient to simply die without further treatment could actually prolong their life and their suffering. "Part of my point is that the process of the 'allowed to die' can be relatively slow and painful, whereas being given a lethal injection is relatively quick and painless" (Rachels 562). In fact, his arguments seem so logical; it is difficult to understand why euthanasia is not already used in terminal and the worst cases."
Abstract This paper explains that, in certain cases, passiveeuthanasia is legally accepted in the United States; however, at the present time, activeeuthanasia is never accepted. The author points out that a growing number of a people in America are in favor of legalizing both passive and activeeuthanasia specifically claiming that terminally ill patients have a right to choose death over the torment of the final stages of their disease. The paper stresses that euthanasia should never be carried out without a patient's consent; this is why a living will is important.
From the Paper "The legal profession in the United States takes a similar view to that which is expressed by the AMA. Thus, the Supreme Court has passed decisions which support the use of passive euthanasia in certain instances. In this regard, it has been determined that a competent person "has a constitutionally protected liberty interest in refusing unwanted medical treatment." Many states have passed legislation permitting passive euthanasia in specific cases."
Abstract This sophomore level paper is on Different States Of Euthanasia and lays emphasis on the two forms of Euthanasia, Active and Passive. This paper also reviews the differences between active and passiveeuthanasia. It also focuses on the worldwide arguments against and in favor of them. The paper also discusses in depth the situations when Physician assisted suicide become the only solution employed by the doctors for individuals who are suffering from severe illness.
Abstract This paper is an analysis of the paper, "Active and PassiveEuthanasia", by James Rachels, published about 30 years ago in which the question of the morality of all forms of euthanasia was examined. The paper presents a critique of the theme, style, language choice, contents, conclusions and strength of Rachels' paper.
From the Paper "In his essay "Active and Passive Euthanasia", James Rachels explains that the traditional distinction between active and passive euthanasia requires critical analysis. The conventional doctrine is that there an important moral difference between the two that must be carefully examined. Rachels writes that the distinction between active and passive euthanasia is thought to be critical for medical ethics. This idea can be challenged in a number of ways. One is that active euthanasia is in many cases more humane than passive euthanasia. Another is that this idea rests on..."
Tags: ethics, euthanasia, passive, active, assisted suicide, right to die, NDR, James Rachels, moral ambiguity
