Anagrams

1. Anagrams Find your folder and a piece of scrap paper Take a seat Find as many words as possible using the letters from the word Euthanasia A sweet for the person with the longest word, and one for the person with the most words!

2. Homework Next lesson we will do a practise question so revise what we have done on abortion, fertility treatment and today’s work.

3. The end of life LO: To consider Christian attitudes to the end of life

4. Euthanasia • Euthanasia literally means “good death” • This can either be “passive”, which might mean switching off life support machines. • Or it can be “active”, which means actively doing something to bring about the end of life • In the UK “passive” is legal, but “active” is not.

5. Euthanasia in Holland • Although Holland is in the European Union (as is the UK), it has quite different laws on euthanasia to most other member countries. Legalised euthanasia is allowed in the Netherlands as a last resort if: • The patient is in unbearable pain, with no improvement in sight, • The patient has voluntary requested euthanasia on more than one occasion, • The patient is aware of their condition and options, • At least two doctors agree that these conditions are present, • That euthanasia is carried out in a medically appropriate manner, and • That the patient is at least 12 years old. • Holland has very strict laws on euthanasia. People cannot simply travel to Holland expecting doctors to euthanatise them ('suicide tourism'), if these conditions are not met in full.

6. Secular (non-religious) attitudes • Many non-religious people in the UK are in favour of euthanasia as they believe that those who are dying should be able to have dignity • However, some are worried about a “slippery slope” which will put vulnerable and sick people under pressure to die. • Many doctors do not want to be involved as it goes against the Hippocratic Oath.

7. Example: Daniel James • In 2007, Daniel James went to Switzerland to take his own life. • He was only 23 years old • Having been paralysed in a rugby accident he needed 24 hour care • Some people thought he was too young to die.

8. Task • Write a short paragraph explaining what euthanasia is, and the difference between the two kinds. • Things to include: • What is euthanasia • The difference between active and passive • The law on euthanasia • Reasons for and against • Examples

9. Christian attitudes • There is no direct teaching in the Bible about euthanasia as we know it today. • The Fifth Commandment says: “You shall not kill (or murder)”. • In general, therefore, most Christians are against active euthanasia because it challenges the sanctity of life and Fifth Commandment.

10. The Roman Catholic View • Catholics are totally against euthanasia. • They regard life as a valuable gift from God: • 'Intentionally causing one's own death, or suicide, is therefore equally as wrong as murder; such an action on the part of a person is to be considered as a rejection of God's sovereignty and loving plan.‘ • Also, suffering can help people to come close to God, by sharing in Jesus’ suffering on the cross. • Catholics believe that people should die a “natural death”, but what does this mean?

11. The Anglican View • The Church of England is also anti-euthanasia • This is more because they are worried about vulnerable people being abused. • They, like many Christians, support the Hospice Movement, which attempts to care for dying people and make it is as painless as possible • This is called “palliative care”.

12. The Quaker View • The Quakers have no set view on euthanasia. • Many are against it, like other Christians. • However, some believe that we should think about “agape”, which means love. • For them, the most important question is: “What is the most loving thing to do?”

13. Part C practise (10 mins) • “A person has a right to decide when to end their own life”. Discuss. • Think about different sides of the story • Remember to include Christian views • Finish with your own opinion, backed up by what you have already said.