∗Passive Euthanasia.
When doctors give a pain-killing drug, but do nothing for the patient.
∗ Active Euthanasia.
When doctors give the patient a drug to take the pain away, knowing it will also kill them.
There are other methods euthanasia these can be mixed together to make different combinations-
-Passive voluntary euthanasia.
-Active voluntary euthanasia.
-Passive involuntary euthanasia.
-Active involuntary euthanasia.
Christian views on Euthanasia are based on the beliefs of the SANNTITY OF LIFE. Which comes from teaching that all people are made from the image of God.
Christians try to protect people who feel they may be a burden to other people and feel they must speed up their own death.
Hospices.
These are preferred as alternatives to Euthanasia, these are residential homes for people who have terminally ill diseases, e.g. cancer or some kind of growing deficiency. The founder of the first hospice was Dame Nicely Saunders. The hospice movement developed from the concern of the Christians that people should be allowed to die with dignity. Now there are hospices all over the country.
Legal Positions.
Euthanasia is illegal in most countries. Although many countries have legal ethical codes, which in circumstances life support machines may be turned off.
Christian Teachings.
The message below is saying that human life is a gift from god, which is sacred.
‘ God made man in his own image’
In the New Testament, Jesus heels both the sick and the dying, in many ways this is saying we should make the effort to preserve life.
‘Euthanasia can never be justified.’
I do not agree with this statement. I think in certain circumstances it is better to end a life that is in pain and suffering than to prolong it. Although I do understand why some people disagree with euthanasia because the people that perform it could end up going to prison, and that the people that are not going to recover are taking up valuable bed space in hospitals.
I think that going through this must be very distressing for the families and close friends.