Abstract This paper focuses on euthanasia or assisted suicide and in particular the differences between its active and passive forms. It examines how passive euthanasia 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. Active euthanasia means causing death of a person through an action which directly contributes to that person's death.
Outline
Passive and Active Euthanasia The Conflict Between Active and Passive Euthanasia 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 examines the controversial issue of euthanasia and examines why it is taboo in the United States. The author analyzes the arguments presented by all sides in the debate, and focuses on the positions of the religious, medical, and political communities. He concludes that despite the opposition of these groups to euthanasia, there is a small but growing consensus in the United States that for the sake of human decency and dignity, doctor assisted suicide in the form of passive euthanasia and sometimes active euthanasia should be legalized so that human suffering will not be prolonged by medical science simply to extend physical life.
Tags: SOCIOLOGY / EUTHANASIA, euthanasia in america
Abstract This paper argues that voluntary euthanasia preserves dignity. Examined in this paper are such ideas as the right to die, the ethical parameters of euthanasia, the quality of life perspective and a place for euthanasia within varied perspectives. The author argues that one of the greatest ways to preserve another person's dignity is through an act of mercy. Voluntary euthanasia is an act of mercy, which therefore, preserves dignity with the bestowment of final compassion.
From the Paper "A step in awareness is the enactment of careful laws that permit forms of voluntary euthanasia. In the United States, the state of Oregon's Death With Dignity Act, allowing ?limited physician-assisted suicide,? is an example of a start for public understanding. In ideal cases of merciful euthanasia, a person makes a painstaking, well thought-out decision. Voluntary euthanasia is rarely carried out at the first knowledge of impending death, especially if medical help is available to treat the terminal disease. Voluntary euthanasia is an act of mercy, and therefore, preserves dignity with the bestowment of final compassion. "
Abstract This paper discusses Euthanasia, the right to die; the history and legislation concerning this controversial subject, as well as information on recent public and doctor opinion polls leading to a conclusion of support. It also details several cases and court decisions on this issue and how they have affected the laws on Euthanasia. The issue of active euthanasia, or assisted suicide, turns on whether it would have social consequences that refraining would not, on whether it would be possible to establish procedural safeguards for limited active euthanasia and whether such practices would have a significant adverse effect on the treatment of terminal patients in general.
From the Paper "It its September, 1997 issue, the journal Medical Economics reported ("No longer an Option for One AIDS Patient and His Doctor") that the Florida Supreme Court had ruled against physician-assisted suicide in a decision overturning a trial judge's finding, giving AIDS patient Charles E. Hall the right to die as he wished. According to the Florida court, his intention to commit suicide through medical intervention was against the state's policy to preserve life. Several legal issues have been raised regarding the court's decision, involving the fact that it was based upon cases where application of artificial treatment could indefinitely prolong life."
Abstract This paper discusses a variety of issues involved in natural, or passive, euthanasia. The paper details the pros and cons of natural passive euthanasia. Then the paper compares passive and active euthanasia, 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 This paper examines the different types of euthanasia. This topic is divided into two general categories, passive and active assisted suicide. Active euthanasia refers to actions that either result in death or hasten death and comprises two categories, voluntary and involuntary euthanasia. The author contends that active euthanasia is morally wrong since it involves killing and disregards another person autonomy whether or not consent is given.
Abstract An examination of the issues and reasons which formed the decision in the Canadian cases of Sue Rodriguez and Robert Latimer. This paper examines the decision of the court in relation to the law, as well as the effects of the decision on disabled persons in Canada.
From the paper:
"The cases of Rodriguez and Latimer were landmark decisions, which set precedents over the practice of euthanasia in Canada. It is likely that these two decisions will be the cornerstones of future challenges to the laws which are currently in place prohibiting this practice. While both of these cases dealt with instances of euthanasia, the circumstances behind the cases were very different. Both have given rise to debate within Canadian society about the freedom each individual has over when and how we will die. Do we have the right to choose? Do others have the right to choose for us if we are not capable ourselves? The moral and ethical dimensions within these questions, difficult as they are, are even more complicated when the same questions are raised in relation to the criminal law. Both Rodriguez and Latimer were highly divisive cases which inflamed the emotions of those who support euthanasia, and those who oppose."
Abstract This paper examines the arguments concerning euthanasia and whether the practice of euthanasia can be considered ethical or even justified. The paper discusses and explains voluntary and involuntary euthanasia and looks at how the Utilitarian philosophy can be applied to this issue. The paper also looks at how arguments of Peter Singer apply to this topic.
From the Paper "The debate over euthanasia begins with the definition of the word itself. Today people distinguish between active and passive euthanasia as well as voluntary and involuntary euthanasia. The distinction between active and passive euthanasia would seem to be straightforward. Active euthanasia occurs when someone actively brings about someone's death as in through an injection of a toxic substance. Passive euthanasia, on the other hand, occurs when someone refuses to intervene actively in order to prevent someone else's death. For example, in a real life hospital setting a..."
Abstract This paper states that doctor assisted suicide in the form of passive euthanasia and active euthanasia 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 argues that the legalization of euthanasia will have negative consequences on society. The paper defines euthanasia as the intentional killing of a dependent human being by act or omission to benefit the dependent person. The paper highlights societal consequences of assisted suicide and discusses issues of the value of human life.
From the Paper "Somerville defines euthanasia as the intentional killing by act or omission of a dependent human being for his or her alleged benefit. If the action is not intentional then the death cannot be called euthanasia ..."
Abstract Based on James Rachels' undermining of the doctrine of the distinction between active and passive euthanasia made by law and medical ethics, this argument uses other research to support a stance of opposing any form of legal euthanasia.
From the Paper "As new technologies and research enabled physicians the means to prolong the lives of terminally ill patients the controversy surrounding the debate over euthanasia continues to escalate ..."
Tags: passive versus active euthanasia, death with dignity, morality, legal, pain and suffering
Abstract This paper explores the issue of euthanasia, and its relevance to nursing. The paper first defines euthanasia. Next the paper studies how nurses cope with the issue in regard to their patients. The paper concludes with recommendations and personal commentary.
Abstract This paper examines the moral issue involved in passive euthanasia of Down Syndrome infants with congenital defects. The paper presents different views of passive and active euthanasia 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 discusses euthanasia and cites examples from the Netherlands, Belgium and Oregon. It argues that euthanasia provides the relief of suffering, and a dignified death. It also discusses the arguments against which are religious, moral and fear of the "slippery slope."
From the Paper "There are strong proponents on both sides of the debate for and against euthanasia. The word euthanasia comes from two Greek words eu meaning good and thanatos meaning death. Proponents of euthanasia believe it is everyone's right to die at a time of their ..."
Abstract This article discusses a patient's right to die. The writer looks at the various forms of euthanasia and related issues. The writer examines the doctors' duties in such a case. Further, the writer looks at the matter of death with dignity for a patient. The difficult and controversial issue of assisted suicide is also raised. In this paper, the writer argues in favor of euthanasia.
From the Paper "Euthanasia is a necessary tool to help alleviate the suffering of those who no longer want to live. At one time, death meant the termination of breathing and heartbeat. This definition worked until technology made it possible to sustain respiration and heartbeat almost indefinitely, even without brain activity. Brain death became the next standard of death and remains the standard used to determine death. Peter Setness, writing in Postgraduate Medicine, comments that medical science now offers us the ability to sustain life under ... "
Tags:euthanasia, passive, active, assisted suicide, right to die, living will, heroic measures, ethics, morality religion
