Higher RMPS

1. Higher RMPS Euthanasia so far

2. General Definition?

3. General Definition • Good death or mercy killing • Termination of a person life for a medical reason • Carried out by the patient, medical staff or other person

4. Different Types?

5. Different Types? • To do with how it is carried out... • Active • Passive • Others include double effect , assisted suicide • To do with why it is done... • Voluntary • In-Voluntary • Non-Voluntary

6. Medical conditions and reasons that could lead to people requesting euthanasia?

7. Medical conditions and reasons that could lead to people requesting euthanasia? • Terminal illness – no chance of survival e.g. Cancer • Degenerative conditions like Muscular dystrophy or Motor Neuron Disease • Conditions that cause prolonged suffering and pain • Loss of quality of life e.g. persistent vegetative state • Burden on loved ones e.g. Medical conditions or general process of aging

8. Law and legal debate in UK...?

9. Law and legal debate in UK...? • Illegal due to 1961 Suicide Act ... Illegal to assist a person to kill themselves • Classed as form of murder • In Scotland charge is culpable homicide and sentence is 14 years • Act allows case by case review – up to DPP if it will be tried • Sentencing often not harsh – judge may give suspended sentences or conditional discharges

10. Law and legal debate in UK...? • Tony Bland in PVS was passively euthanized under court ruling by dehydration and starvation • Diane Pretty wanted it legalised ... All her attempts failed • Attempts made to pass laws relating to Physician assisted dismissed by HOL and HOC in 1997 and 2005 • Recent developments are that in Sep 2009 it was stated that an assistant to euthanasia would not be charged on the return of a trip where a person was euthanized abroad

11. Critique of UK Law?

12. Critique of UK Law? • Strengths... • Fair as each cases is taken by own merits • Generally protects the right to life • Removes burden from medical staff on making such a difficult moral decision • Works as a halfway house on legislation – neither fully legalises nor bans it.

13. Critique of UK Law? • Weaknesses... • Inconsistent as each cases is taken by own merits • Prolongs the suffering of dying both in terms of illness and fear of consequences if euthanasia is taken • Forces the practice of euthanasia underground – where it could be abused or carried out incorrectly • Vague and thus ineffective– neither fully legalises nor bans it.

14. Law in Holland...?

15. Law in Holland • Legalised in April 2002 although common practice for 25 years prior • Sets out regulations and stipulations on the candidate and the practitioners. • Patients condition must be classed as unbearable without prospect of improvement • Must be voluntary and persistent request by patient • Each case referred to Review committee • 2 doctors consent - one fully independent of case prior • Carried out in proper medical fashion by doctor or with doctor present • If conditions not met they doctor is liable – can be prosecuted

16. Critique of Dutch Law?

17. Critique of Dutch Law? • Strengths... • Offers choice to all • Benefits the patient - Allows people to die with sense of dignity, less suffering or sense of control over death • Stipulations act as safeguards from abuse • Reduces the cases of underground acts of euthanasia

18. Critique of Dutch Law? • Weaknesses... • Devalues life • Puts pressure on people to consider euthanasia • Puts pressure on medical staff to act in way they may deem immoral or wrong • Stipulations do not act as safeguards from abuse e.g. Advanced directives can mean people who change their minds or made uniformed choices are euthanized

19. Essay Question time ... • To what extent do you agree with the laws of both the UK and Holland on the issue of euthanasia. 10 AE • What the question is looking for... 2 or 3 in-depth points on the strengths and weaknesses of UK law and the same for Dutch Law with a general conclusion including your statement of personal opinion.