Life and Death: Understanding the Ethics of Euthanasia

Life and Death: Understanding the Ethics of Euthanasia

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson, you will be able to distinguish between active and passive euthanasia, and apply and evaluate natural law and situation ethics in relation to euthanasia.

Introduce the learning objective to students and make sure they understand what they will be learning by the end of the lesson.

What do you already know about Euthanasia?

What is Euthanasia?

Euthanasia is the act of intentionally ending someone's life to relieve their suffering.

Explain what euthanasia is and why it is a contentious issue.

Active vs Passive Euthanasia

Active euthanasia involves taking a deliberate action to end someone's life, while passive euthanasia involves withholding or withdrawing treatment to allow someone to die naturally.

Explain the difference between active and passive euthanasia and give examples of each.

Natural Law

Natural law is a moral theory that states that there are certain moral laws which are inherent in the nature of human beings and the world around us. According to natural law, euthanasia is wrong because it goes against the natural purpose of life.

Explain natural law and its views on euthanasia. Encourage students to think critically about the strengths and weaknesses of this approach.

Situation Ethics

Situation ethics is a moral theory that states that the right thing to do in any situation depends on the context and circumstances of that situation. According to situation ethics, euthanasia may be the right thing to do in certain situations if it is done out of love and compassion.

Explain situation ethics and its views on euthanasia. Encourage students to think critically about the strengths and weaknesses of this approach.

Case Study: Terry Schiavo

Terry Schiavo was a woman who was in a persistent vegetative state for 15 years. Her husband wanted to remove her feeding tube and let her die, but her parents opposed this. This case raises ethical questions about the right to die and who has the authority to make decisions about a person's life.

Present the case of Terry Schiavo and encourage students to discuss the ethical issues it raises.

The Hippocratic Oath

The Hippocratic Oath is an oath taken by doctors which includes the promise to do no harm. Some argue that euthanasia goes against this oath and the ethical principles of medicine.

Explain the Hippocratic Oath and its relevance to the ethics of euthanasia.

Religious Views on Euthanasia

Different religious traditions have different views on euthanasia. For example, Catholicism and Islam are generally opposed to euthanasia, while some Protestant denominations and Buddhism may be more accepting of it.

Give an overview of the religious views on euthanasia and encourage students to think critically about how religion influences ethical views.

The Slippery Slope Argument

The slippery slope argument suggests that if euthanasia is legalized, it could lead to a situation where vulnerable people are coerced or forced into ending their lives.

Explain the slippery slope argument and encourage students to think critically about whether it is a valid argument against euthanasia.

Assisted Suicide

Assisted suicide is a form of euthanasia where a person is provided with the means to end their own life, but they carry out the act themselves. Some argue that this is a more ethical approach to euthanasia as it puts the power in the hands of the individual.

Explain assisted suicide and its ethical implications. Encourage students to think critically about the strengths and weaknesses of this approach.

The Importance of Palliative Care

Palliative care is a form of medical care that focuses on relieving pain and improving quality of life for people with serious illnesses. Some argue that improving access to palliative care could reduce the demand for euthanasia.

Explain the importance of palliative care and its relevance to the ethics of euthanasia.

Ethical Decision-Making

When faced with ethical dilemmas like the issue of euthanasia, it is important to use a structured approach to decision-making. This can involve considering different ethical theories, consulting with others, and reflecting on one's own values and beliefs.

Discuss the importance of ethical decision-making and provide guidance on how to approach ethical dilemmas like euthanasia.

Debate: Euthanasia

Split the class into two groups and have them debate the ethics of euthanasia. One group can argue in favor of euthanasia, while the other argues against it.

Provide guidance on how to structure and facilitate a debate in the classroom.

Interactive Quiz

Use an interactive quiz to test students' knowledge of the ethics of euthanasia. Include questions on different ethical theories, case studies, and key terminology.

Provide guidance on how to create and administer an interactive quiz in the classroom.

Reflection and Discussion

Encourage students to reflect on what they have learned in the lesson and to discuss any questions or concerns they have about euthanasia.

Provide prompts for reflection and facilitate a group discussion to wrap up the lesson.

Conclusion

Summarize the key points covered in the lesson and encourage students to continue thinking critically about the ethics of euthanasia.

Wrap up the lesson and encourage students to continue exploring the topic independently.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.

What is the current legal status of euthanasia in the United States?

1. Euthanasia is only illegal if performed without patient consent.
2. Euthanasia is legal in all 50 states of the United States.
3. Euthanasia is illegal throughout the United States, although assisted suicide is legal in some states.
4. Euthanasia is legal in some states but not others.

What is the difference between voluntary and involuntary euthanasia?

1. Voluntary euthanasia is only performed on patients who are terminally ill.
2. Voluntary euthanasia can only be performed by a family member of the patient.
3. Voluntary euthanasia is performed with the explicit and informed consent of the patient, while involuntary euthanasia is performed without the patient's consent.
4. Involuntary euthanasia is only performed on patients who are in a vegetative state.

What is the double effect principle?

1. The principle that it is morally permissible to administer medication to relieve pain, even if it may hasten the patient's death as a side effect.
2. The principle that euthanasia can only be performed by a licensed physician.
3. The principle that euthanasia can only be performed if the patient is in a vegetative state.
4. The principle that euthanasia is always morally wrong.

What is the difference between active and passive euthanasia?

1. Active euthanasia involves only providing palliative care to the patient.
2. Passive euthanasia involves administering lethal medication to the patient.
3. Active euthanasia involves taking a deliberate action to end a patient's life, whereas passive euthanasia involves withholding or withdrawing treatment to allow the patient to die naturally.
4. Active euthanasia can only be performed with patient consent.

What is the definition of euthanasia?

1. The painless killing of a patient suffering from an incurable and painful disease.
2. The administration of lethal medication without patient consent.
3. The termination of a patient's life due to old age.
4. The forced removal of life support against patient wishes.

Euthanasia goes against medical ethics.

Agree: Doctor's role is to heal

Disagree: Relieving suffering is ethical

Agree: Might lead to distrust in doctors

Disagree: Compassionate care for the dying

Euthanasia should only be allowed for terminally ill patients.

Agree: Prevents needless suffering

Disagree: Open to abuse and misuse

Agree: Dignity for patients with no cure

Disagree: No guarantee of pain relief

Euthanasia should be legalized globally.

Agree: Reduces pain and suffering

Disagree: Against human life preservation

Agree: Patient's autonomy and choice

Disagree: Slippery slope argument