Medical Ethics

Medical Ethics

1. Sanctity of Life

   • Definition
     • All life is sacred/precious
   • Why?
     • God created everyone in his own 'image' (Genesis). Therefore, we're perfect and all have a purpose: 'I knew you in the womb'

2. Euthanasia

   • Definition
     • 'Good death' (Greek)
   • Types
     • Voluntary
       • A terminally ill person has asked someone else to help them die
     • Involuntary
       • Where the person is no longer able to make decisions, so it is made by family and/or medical experts.
     • Active
       • Where action is taken to take a life. e.g. give drugs, stop food
     • Passive
       • Where something that is artificially keeping them alive is taken away. e.g. switching off the life support machine
     • Assisted suicide
       • Suicide
         • All Christians disagree with this; seen as a sin. However, more support (e.g. The Samaritans) is avaliable and modern day Christians believe in supporting those in need more.
           • In the past, if someone committed suicide,theywould not be allowed to be buried in holy ground since suicide is seen as a mortal sin against the Holy spirit. Now, the Church is compassionate and recognises that if someone commits suicide it is because they are ill in the mind and now aim to help.
             • E.g. The Samaritans
               • Set up in 1953 by Chad Varah in London since a girl had committed suicide in his parish because she didn't have anyone to talk to and he felt it was dreadful and never wanted anyone else to turn to suicide. Therefore, he created a Telephone help line which allows people to ring anonymously and discuss their problems with someone who listens, with no judgement.
         • 'the body is a temple for the holy spirit'
           • Christians believe you should trust in God, he will only let you suffer what you can handle (e.g. footprints in the sand)
       • Where the means for the terminally ill person to commit sucide are given. e.g. placing an overdose of drugs in their reach.
   • Christian Views
     • Roman Catholic
       • Catholics are against, but doctors can shorten pain relief dose to shorten life (double effect).
         • However, patient must be prepared for death e.g. confessed etc.
     • Some think it is ok since it is 'loving thy neighbour as thyself'- treating someone as you would want to be treated, Principle of Agape
     • Hospices
       • Cicely Saunders started British hospices in the 1960's. Mother Theresa also started off hospices- homes for dying.
         • This was in order to: help those who are dying face death with dignity and to not be afraid, treat the person as an individual and help the families; inspired by 'love thy neighbour'.
   • Case studies
     • Reg Krew
       • Travelled to a clinic in Switzerland to help him die.
         • Since 2009 the law has been made clearer: those you can prove they have not finacial benefits from helping someone die, will not be prosecuted

3. Abortion

   • Definition
     • The premature removal of a foetus
   • Why?
     • Cannot financially support
     • Result of rape
   • Christian views
     • Church of England
       • Pro-choice
         • It is acceptable in certain circumstances (rape death could occur- e.g. etopic pregnancy etc.) the mother has the right to choose, 'treat others how you'd like to be treated'
     • Roman Catholics
       • Completely against (Pro life)
         • Life begins a conception meaning abortion is classed as murder ('do not murder'- one of the ten commandments)
           • However, if giving birth may result in the mother's death, abortion is acceptable; 'double effect'
       • E.g. The Pope teaches that every life is a gift from God
   • Views
     • Pro-choice
       • The woman has the choice. But what about the father?
     • Pro-life
       • Abortion is always wrong

4. Fertility Treatment

   • Enabling a couple to have a child, if otherwise are unable to.
   • Types: IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation), AID (Artificial Insemination by Donor), AIH (Artificial Insemination by Husband) and Surrogacy.
   • Christian Views
     • Roman Catholic
       • 'God has a plan' therefore, it's cheating God. They do not accept most of these methods since it either involves destroying multiple embryos ('do not kill') or adultery ('do not commit adultery'), which is throned upon. However, AIH differs, but adoption os the best option.
     • Church of England
       • They accept all except AID and surrogacy. All life is sacred, as well as, the Principle of Agape (the most loving thing to do).

5. Animals in medical research

   • Quakers disagree completely, regardless of the purpose
   • Agree
     • Some Christians agree with animal testing as long as it's to save human lives (e.g. anaesthetics/diabetes) since God put humans to rule over the earth- Dominion. However, the animals must be looked after properly.
       • Some believe that humans are the most important go God's creations; was made on the lat day in God's 'image' so that they could live in a loving relationship with him, as well as them being given the gift of 'freewill', not animals
         • Animals were not given souls, they were not given the 'breathe of life' and they cannot make moral decisions
           • Dominion Vs. Stewardship
             • Dominion: God's command to Adam was to 'rule over the animals. Stewards: God created Adam and Eve to look after the Garden of Eden.
   • Disagree
     • Some do not agree since God made man to look after his creations, including animals- stewardship. Adam was put in the Garden of Eden to protect it.
       • The Noachide laws (which God gave Noah after the flood) tell humans to be kind to animals.
         • Animals and humans are equal because God created everything. Saint Francis of Assisi believed animals were just as important as humans- he preached a sermon to the birds.