GCSE: Euthanasia essays

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215 GCSE Euthanasia essays

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  1. Christian views on suicide

    Suffering may have purpose and euthanasia could be going against the divine plan. The Hospice movement offers a positive alternative to euthanasia. Life is sacred and God - given, no human has the right to take on that role. Jesus showed reverence for life and helped the sick and those near death. His action and teaching concur with the view that God gives and takes away. Any interference in that is wrong. Christians believe that people are made in the image of God and the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.

    • Length: 597 words
  2. The Legal Position On Euthanasia around the World.

    U.K Euthanasia is illegal in the U.K . Any person found assisting suicide is breaking the law. Between 2003 and 2006 Lord Joffe made four attempts to introduce bills to legalise euthanasia. , all were rejected by parliament. Dr Nigel Cox is the only doctor to be convicted of attempted euthanasia,he received a twelve month suspended sentence in 1992 In 1957 Judge Dvlin noted that causing death to a patient through the administration of a lethal drug that was administered solely to relieve pain where death is inevitable or a likely outcome is not considered murder. (Dr John Boden Adams)

    • Length: 1110 words
  3. Analyse and explain the way in which a religious or moral issue has been dealt with in a television soap opera or the national daily press.

    There was a 'scuffle at hospital' as she pulled tubes from David's body and the police were called and made arrests to three members of her family who were accused of 'violent disorder' and sentenced between nine and 12 months in jail. However David's mother managed to keep him alive overnight although hospital bosses accused her of 'extreme cruelty' but let her take him home the next day. In the end Mrs Glass (David's mother) insisted that her son 'had a good quality of life' and took her case to the European court.

    • Length: 968 words
  4. Euthanasia is a loving, Christian response Discuss.

    Like the Scripture says in 1Corinthians 6:19-20 "You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's." You must look after your body as God paid the ultimate price for it (by dying on the cross to save us all from our sins). He has plans for us, so to die before the time has come would be destroying us - we are living our lives to His scheduling and planning, not our own.

    • Length: 2073 words
  5. My hypothesis: Euthanasia should be legalized in the UK.I am going to answer a hypothesis to do with Euthanasia based on my collection of primary and secondary information.

    I will try to find people's views on Euthanasia and why they have these opinions through questionnaires, interviews and secondary research. 2. I have chosen this key question because finding and analysing case studies will play a major part of my secondary research. It will help me to learn about peoples personal experiences of Euthanasia, whether they be a family member, friend or doctor of the person going through the decision of whether to or not to die through Euthanasia.

    • Length: 13102 words
  6. Euthanasia - Right or Wrong?

    They are also quick, so the drug is injected into the bloodstream. This drug is usually pentobarbital, however drugs are not the only method. Others include inhaling sevoflurane, injecting an intravenous injection (like pentobarbital) into the hearts cavities. Also in some cases the neck of the animal is snapped, to cause the paralysis of the whole body, leading to the instant death of the animal. But why would one have the animal put down? There are different reasons for this. One is if the animal is constantly getting worse, for example with cancer, and will certainly not get better, then it may be put down.

    • Length: 1000 words
  7. Outline whether you think the law on Euthanasia should be changed in the UK

    Also, having euthanasia in the UK would give the doctors too much power, and it may eventually lead to them getting used to ending patients' lives, instead of saving them. Furthermore, there may eventually be a cure for that particular illness, and so that patients' life could have been saved. Lastly, euthanasia may be requested by unscrupulous relatives of the patient in order to inherit. From a Muslim point of view, the Quran forbids suicide and declares that he is the only one who can take someone's life, and no-one must take their own life without his permission.

    • Length: 739 words
  8. Free essay

    Christian views on euthanasia, abortion and war.

    Euthanasia goes against the fifth commandment thou shalt not kill, it implicates the doctor, who makes the decision to kill the patient. It also goes against the doctor's Hippocratic Oath which states that life should be protected. The quality of a person's life is an essential part of living. The Church advocates a good quality of life, God does not want Christians to suffer. The late Rev. Lord Soper wrote "As I understand it, the purpose of life is to love God and to enjoy Him forever.

    • Length: 557 words
  9. Explaining Euthanasia

    Either giving you the drugs to kill yourself, or even simply transporting you there because they can't: such as driving. Another name for euthanasia is mercy killing. This is called mercy killing because people are taking pity on someone suffering in which that they are not able to end. There are four types of euthanasia; the first type of euthanasia is voluntary euthanasia. This is when the person who is killed has requested to be killed, because they can't end it themselves.

    • Length: 799 words
  10. The benefits of euthanasia to Christians

    The money could also go towards the patient's carers and help them support them, such as their pay, or their patient such as buying the patients certain things that could keep them entertained. The money could also go towards nurses pay, for their services to the charity with helping with the patients and or even the paper work. The money could also go towards training nurses to get more of them in the business and help other patients that want to die.

    • Length: 1715 words
  11. Euthanasia - the views of EXIT and Christians

    Some patients may value the quality of life above quantity, and EXIT views this as important as well. They aim to make euthanasia impossible to be open for abuse by medical staff and relatives by ensuring that a second medical opinion and a psychiatric assessment are obtained. The use of Living Wills and Advanced Directives, which are currently illegal, are supported by EXIT as they give a patient the opportunity to opt for a mercy death before they become ill.

    • Length: 891 words
  12. Explain how a Christian might respond to someone who was thinking of committing suicide

    Verses from the first two Vedas are used as mantras in the sacred thread and marriage ceremonies. They teach Hindus about Samsara and why there are such things as Samsara. It also teaches that God is not sitting in judgement. For example, if someone stole something they would have bad karma because of their own action. Knowing that the Veda books are holy would affect lives of Hindus because they would follow all the sayings and teachings in the books and therefore would act accordingly and if need be change and adjust to what the books say.

    • Length: 452 words
  13. Eastenders dealt with the issue of euthanasia in a past show where Dot is the permanent carer for Ethel who has lung cancer.

    Children also prefer watching soaps to sitting there and reading a teen magazine, which is a good thing in a way because soaps handle issues more responsibly and with more precautions. Eastenders dealt with the issue of euthanasia in a past show where Dot is the permanent carer for Ethel who has lung cancer. The nurses and doctors offer to put Ethel in a care home as she has only a few days to live and Ethel refuses and says she wants Dot to care for her.

    • Length: 1047 words
  14. Describe and explain Christian teachings which could be used in a discussion about Euthanasia

    This means that nothing apart from God has the right to give or take life, and euthanasia is therefore wrong. It also shows that if any human takes life, it is playing God and is indirectly disrespecting God. Roman Catholics would say that this teaching is talking about life and therefore euthanasia is wrong and should not be done, however, the Church of England may say that this is referring to material possessions and so it doesn't apply to euthanasia.

    • Length: 511 words
  15. Should Euthanasia be legalized in Sweden?

    The process of euthanasia is extremely complex and not all individuals are accepted. The main method used is lethal injections, the patient is injected with a lethal solution into the brachial artery; within a few minutes the solutions is circulated around the body and the heart beats gradually come to a halt. It's a painless method, as a high percentage of the solution consists of morphine. For a patient to be given permission for euthanasia, it is required that the patient is examined by a doctor, along with a physiologist to conclude that the patient is in a state of "unbearable" pain and of sane mind.

    • Length: 1708 words
  16. What is Euthanasia?

    This is often called "assisted suicide". Involuntary- is when other people decide that it would be for the best if someone's life ends, because he or she is not able to make that decision independently. They might have been in a coma for a very long time, perhaps, or they might be only a few hours old. Active - is when action is taken to bring life to an end; for example, a lethal dose of drugs might be given.

    • Length: 1530 words
  17. Christianity And Euthanasia

    The Roman Catholic Church's teachings in euthanasia is that it opposes it completely "Euthanasia is a grave violation of the law of god, suicide it is the deliberate and morally unacceptable killing of a human person" Circumstances like long illnesses actually help people to face death. The pope opposes euthanasia because of the strongly taught commandment "Thou Shall Not Kill". The pope regards the sanctity of life as an extremely important teaching and places the highest value on human life and suffering and pain do not stop life being valuable and is not a reason for ending life.

    • Length: 820 words
  18. What is meant by euthanasia?

    People in the past and at present may have used/use Doctors to decrease their life to help them die peacefully at their own request. In these circumstances it is usually kept quiet with only loyal and trusting co-workers to protect them from the law. In case they are charged with murder/manslaughter. Exit believes these doctors should be allowed to help their patients in this way. But the law has to face the problem that this could be used in the wrong way and people may be killed when either it isn't their request or that even the older generation who may live with their children's family and feel a burden on the family.

    • Length: 1182 words
  19. Should Euthanasia be Legalised?

    This regularly described as murder but there are certain circumstances where it is required. Non-voluntary euthanasia is used when the person is too young or is unconscious and therefore cannot make a significant choice whether to live. An appropriate person makes the decision on their behalf. Active euthanasia occurs when a person intentionally takes away a person's life. Passive euthanasia occurs when a person takes a person's life indirectly. They allow them to die. Assisted suicide is when someone provides another person the means to kill themselves. This could be because of a disability the person may have or simply because the person does not know what to take.

    • Length: 1536 words
  20. Religious Studies - Euthanasia

    Non-voluntary euthanasia is when one's life is ended without their consent. Living will, the final type of euthanasia is when one writes in their will, if one is very ill, one gives instructions about speeding one's death up. Another argument they might have is that euthanasia is only helping the patients in pain. Some patients want to die rather than to suffer and endure lots of pain. The patient should never be in excruciating pain. The doctor should be able to stop this pain. These patients will tell their doctor they want euthanasia. However, not all doctors want to do euthanasia because they have a risk of being prosecuted and imprisoned.

    • Length: 1095 words
  21. Should Euthanasia be legalised?

    The first type of Euthanasia mentioned above is known as "active voluntary euthanasia." This is where a conscious, mentally capable person, usually with a severe physical illness, loses the motivation to live. Many people say that keeping them alive is just extending the time of death, a cruel punishment. They sometimes ask that life support should be disconnected so that they can die quickly and painlessly. Most doctors are trained to do their best to defeat death, or at least try to delay it as long as possible, but if the patient is desperately ill, and would rather die, the doctor can consult the "hospital ethics committee", and take the patient off of life support.

    • Length: 1008 words
  22. Religious studies - Christian perspectives of euthanasia

    Examples of non-voluntary euthanasia include when the patient is not told that they are going to be killed, or if a patient is unable to make decisions/is unconscious. Involuntary euthanasia is uncommon because it is usually seen as murder. An example of involuntary euthanasia is where the patient (who is able to make rational decisions) is told that they are to be euthanized, the patient disagrees, but is killed regardless. Also, there are two types of euthanasia. Firstly, there is active euthanasia.

    • Length: 3085 words
  23. Free essay

    No religious person should agree to euthanasia Do you agree?

    There are examples of euthanasia within the Bible; "Stand over me and kill me...so I killed him." (Samuel 1:9-10). This shows that although it is not seen as acceptable to many Christians, there are exceptions to the rules. Both religions see life as a gift from God and therefore should be sacred; this is where the issue of "Sanctity of life" arises.

    • Length: 487 words
  24. Is Voluntary Euthanasia right?

    There are many reasons why Christians believe that voluntary euthanasia is not right. The first is that if you are a true Christian, then you will want to live through the suffering that Jesus lived through for you. It would be very selfish for you not to repay him as a Christian. God has planned our life from birth to death and it would be a sin if you were to disturb that plan as it is our true life so you will be thrown into hell and punished for all your sins.

    • Length: 949 words
  25. Euthanasia explored

    Keeping people alive by machine is not life in a true sense. Euthanasia would allow people to die with dignity Relatives would not have to watch them die a long and painful death Animals are not allowed to suffer. The same compassion should be shown to humans. Arguments against Euthanasia Christians believe god is the giver of life and therefore only god may end it. Christians believe that suffering is a way of strengthening faith. Euthanasia goes against the commandment "Do not kill" God may have plans for people even when their life does not feel worth living.

    • Length: 620 words




Conclusion analysis


  2. Do they answer the question directly?
  • Would removing life support from an individual in a permanently vegetative state be morally wrong? Discuss with reference to: a) the sanctity of life and b) the doctrine of double effect.

    "A separate argument could be the slippery slope. This argument can be used with many arguments such as legalization. The legalization of cannabis is often looked upon however if it was legal then wouldn't more harmful drugs become closer and closer to legalization? The argument seems to fall down a slippery slope and others follow. I can link this argument with euthanasia, if voluntary active euthanasia is allowed, then people would argue why involuntary passive euthanasia is not acceptable. This could lead to a knock-on effect, which could of started from a small event taking place leading to anything whatsoever. I believe that removing life from a person in a PVS is acceptable on the grounds that it is authorized with doctors and known to be 100% true that the patient will not recover from the vegetative state he or she is in. I also believe that letting the patient die is equally acceptable as to killing the patient with a lethal drug, letting somebody die is just as bad as killing someone in most cases."

  • Analyse the Way In Which a T.V Soap Opera Has Dealt With a Religious or Moral Issue.

    "After taking into consideration both sides of the argument I have come to a conclusion, and my own personal opinion is that euthanasia should be allowed. Even taking into account it will affect the loved ones of someone I still believe if someone is in so much pain he/she couldn't take it any more, subsequently it would seem fair to respect their decision."

  • To what Extent was Hitler’s Euthanasia policy a distinct “Nazi” Policy?

    "In conclusion to all the evidence provided that the Euthanasia program was a great indicator for the later establishment of the concentration camps for the Jews. In my opinion the Euthanasia was to an extent not a distinctive Nazi policy but merely a quick and easy cover for Hitler's hatred for Jews. What Hitler did certainly did not follow the definition for euthanasia and can be said that he manipulated it to his own version of euthanasia but the original euthanasia cannot be credited to the Nazi policy. The involuntary euthanasia of children and adolescents who were mentally or physically challenged, although considered murder was still in the constraints of the euthanasia policy. Hitler's aims for this was not the extermination of mentally disabled but more the cleansing of Jews from the German infrastructure. Hitler intended on establishing an "arichen Herrenvolk" 15which was known as the Aryan race, the race without impure blood or disabilities. He did so once in the late 1930's and the same idea carried through to the concentration camps for Jews later on."

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