What is Euthanasia?

What is euthanasia?

• The word 'euthanasia' comes from two Greek words; 'eu' (good) and 'thanatos' (death).
• Definition: The act of bringing about an easy and painless death.
• It is often seen as a release from suffering with an incurable and/or degenerative disease, or for those who are in a Permanent Vegetative State (PVS).
• It is called 'mercy killing' by its supporters.
• Did you know?
• It takes up to 72 hours for a person to die after their life support machine is switched off.

What does the law say?

• Although it is illegal in the UK, euthanasia is legal under certain conditions in some countries; The Netherlands, Switzerland, some parts of Australia and some US states.
• If an 80+ year old has dementia or is taking full-time medication, voluntary euthanasia is legal in Australia.
• The living will in the UK can dictate whether voluntary euthanasia is performed under certain circumstances. e.g) some people ask for their life support machines to be switched off after 6 months
• If a patient is unable to give consent, two doctors must agree with the family the terms of the euthanasia. If they cannot agree, the case goes to court.
• If a decision cannot be made, it may be decided by a lawyer, a doctor, a religious official or a politician.
• Euthanasia guidelines in the Netherlands:
• There must be persistent, informed and voluntary requests by a patient who is aware of all alternative treatments.
• There must be relentless suffering.
• There must be an independent medical appraisal by at least one other doctor supporting the decision.
• After death, the doctor must complete an exhaustive questionnaire and inform the coroner, who will visit to view the body and to verify the facts, The Ministry of Justice decides on the basis of this report whether or not to prosecute this doctor.

Voluntary Euthanasia

• Definition: carried out on request, with full knowledge and consent of the person who dies.

Non-Voluntary Euthanasia

• Definition: ending someone's life because it is assumed to be in their best interests.
• This type of euthanasia is usually carried out when the person is incapable of giving permission.
• If a patient is unable to give consent, two doctors must agree with the family the terms of the euthanasia. If they cannot agree, the case goes to court.

Active Euthanasia

• Definition: The direct act to end the life of an individual.
• An example of this might be giving a patient an overdose of morphine, as it alleviates pain, whilst repressing the respiratory system.

Passive Euthanasia

• Definition: Medical treatment that would prolong a person's life is withdrawn.
• Food and water have been classified as 'medical treatment', so starving the patient is a form of passive euthanasia. (Tony Bland)

Assisted Suicide

• Definition: a person wants to take their own lives, but needs assistance to do so.
• Someone who suffers from paralysis or ALS may need assistance to end their own lives.