What is meant by euthanasia?

Euthanasia Euthanasia has recently been legalised in Holland (where it has been practiced for many years anyway) which brings back to life the debate about it's acceptance throughout Europe. To commit suicide (or to take one's life) is not actually a crime in the UK as there is not much that the law can do to punish someone for taking their own life. However if you were to help someone take their own life you could be charged with murder or manslaughter and face up to a life sentence in prison! There are two types of Euthanasia there is: Voluntary Euthanasia: This is where a person has a painful or terminal disease and cannot do anything for themselves, so they ask someone to kill them painlessly and mercifully so as to put them out of their misery. This is mainly to avoid suffering which they know will come with a slow and painful death (which is inevitable in their case). The most common form would be a doctor injecting them with a lethal dose of painkillers, which would cause him or her absolutely no pain at all, pain which they would suffer if left to die naturally. Non-Voluntary Euthanasia (also known as mercy killing): This is where a person is not kept alive as they are seen as having a life worse than death. This decision is made because the person concerned cannot make a decision for his or herself e.g. babies born with terrible abnormalities and in great pain;

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  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Religious Studies (Philosophy & Ethics)
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What is meant by euthanasia?

The word "euthanasia" has a Greek origin and in it's original form meant a good and honourable death, which would be pleasant and painless. In medical terms it was taken to mean the kindness offered to a person who was terminally ill by medical staff in order to lessen their pain and suffering. However, in recent times the term "euthanasia" has come to be used to describe a gentle and easy death, for those who are incurably ill. It is sometimes referred to as "mercy killing." "Passive or negative euthanasia" involves not doing something to prevent death-(i.e.), allowing someone to die. While "active or positive euthanasia" involves making a decision and taking deliberate action to cause a death in order to lessen suffering. In the case of someone who is very ill the relatives may make this decision on behalf of the person in question. Both of these acts are illegal under the present law. "Voluntary Euthanasia" is the act if terminating the life of somebody painlessly on his or her request, or on the request of his or her legal representative. Under the present law, voluntary euthanasia is considered illegal. However, a significant number of organisations are campaigning at present for this law to be reconsidered. Organisations supporting the legalisation of voluntary euthanasia were established in Britain in 1935 and in the United States in 1938. These organisations

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  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Religious Studies (Philosophy & Ethics)
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What is meant by euthanasia?

Lilian Kim Miss Finch English 9 Honors 28 May 2002 "Euthanasia" Euthanasia derives from the Greek for "good death," but in today's world, different people whose viewpoints are influenced by religion, other people, and morals, perceive euthanasia differently. The history of euthanasia dates back to the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations. In those times, putting people to death was considered allowable in some situations. (Beauchamp, 1) For example in the ancient Greek city of Sparta, strength was the highest priority because Sparta was a military city-state. Therefore if weak, severely defected babies were born, they were put to death. In several ancient societies, voluntary euthanasia was acceptable for the elderly. As time went on, polytheism declined and began to fade away. In it's place, Christianity took over. Christians found euthanasia to be ethically and morally wrong, and also a violation of God's gift of life. Due to these new viewpoints, euthanasia became less and less common and was not practiced as much. (Beauchamp, 2) There are many viewpoints on this subject of matter. These opposing viewpoints will be discussed throughout the paper. There are many different types of euthanasia. First off, the general definition of euthanasia is the intentional killing of another person by act of negligence of a dependent human being for his or her own

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  • Level: GCSE
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What is meant by euthanasia?

Euthanasia Euthanasia is popularly taken to mean the practise of helping severely-ill people die, either at their request or by the doctor deciding to withdraw life suport. Euthanasia is currently illegal in the United Kingdom and therefore medical workers refuse to help any patients in need. Euthanasia comes in different forms: voluntary and involuntary, involuntary being where a doctor, friends and family decide when the person involved cannot do so themselves and voluntary being where it is the person's own choice. There is also passive and active euthanasia. Passive is when the medication is discontinued and the patient eventually dies; active euthanasia is when the patient is given something to help them die, for example an injection. The word euthanasia comes from the Greek meaning "a good death." In the United Kingdom it is illegal to perform euthanasia but in other places like Holland it is allowed. When we speak about euthanasia we usually talk about it being voluntary. Many people in the United Kingdom would like to see euthanasia legalised but in my opinion since there are many reasons against it i believe that it will remain illegal for longer. I intend to investigate the legalisation of euthanasia. I plan to look at the reasons for and against the leagalisation of it and finaly give my opinion on the matter. People would like to see euthanasia legalised as it

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  • Level: GCSE
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What is meant by euthanasia?

Euthanasia Euthanasia is a highly emotive issue, which is habitually avoided contemplation because it deals with unsettling issues people often choose to disregard. It is exceptionally difficult for people to converse about grave illness and its implications, which is undoubtedly why so many people are left unaware of why this issue is so significant. The increasing number of grave diseases emphasises the magnitude of this issue. 1 out of 5 people have or will develop cancer in this modern age. According to this statistic, 6 people in this class alone will form some type of cancer in the future and all of us are likely to be indirectly affected by the disease. It is an alarming statistic and one that cannot be ignored as heart-rending as it is to confront. This issue must be considered so that those people facing an excruciating death can be relieved unnecessary torment via Euthanasia. Euthanasia comes from 2 Greek words, which together mean "good death". This is an obvious link to the fact that euthanasia is a positive thing. It can be said that life should be prolonged as greatly as possible, however due to recent technology, the length of time that a life can be prolonged is abnormal. Using machines such as a respirator, a person who has no chance of recovering to lead a normal, independent life can be kept alive. Someone in a coma, with no possibility of ever awakening,

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  • Level: GCSE
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What is meant by euthanasia?

Euthanasia Title 6 - Paper 2 a) i) What is meant by euthanasia? ii) Explain what Christian teachings might be used in a discussion about euthanasia? b) Explain how Christians may respond to the question of euthanasia? c) Is euthanasia every justified? Give reasons to support your answer and show that you have thought about different points of view. What is euthanasia? People have different ideas, concepts and understandings of the word euthanasia. These must be carefully clarified. The Oxford Dictionary defines euthanasia as the following : ' The act of causing somebody to die gently and without pain, especially when they are suffering from a painful, incurable disease.' ( from Greek eu = well/good and thanatos = death ) So euthanasia means literally a good death. Some people call euthanasia 'mercy killing'. I agree with the definition given in the dictionary, I think it clearly stresses the fact that the aim of euthanasia is to give as less stress and suffering as possible to the patient. However, it does not mention the fact that can be quite an unpleasant and horrible act when the person being killed did not agree to it. There are basically two different types of euthanasia : * Active : Voluntary, Involuntary, Compulsory * Passive Active euthanasia is when you play a part in helping a person to die. ' It is referred to the

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What is meant by the term miracle?

Miracles What is meant by the term miracle? 'Miracle- wonder, marvel, phenomenon, prodigy' (CollinsGem Thesaurus New Edition) 'Wonderful, good, something that happens believes to have supernatural or divine cause.' (Oxford School Dictionary) 'Out of the ordinary appears to be impossible.' (Nick Lowry) 'Something people want but don't always happen.' (Alex Kirk) 'Something strange which is not supposed to happen.' (Patrick Brown) 'An act of God.' (Matthew Lowrie) 'Faith in action.' (Alex Kirk) 'Supernatural event.' (Sam Lovell) 'A miracle is a violation of the laws of nature; and as a firm and unalterable experience has established these laws, the proof against a miracle, from the very nature of the fact, is as entire as any argument from experience can possibly be imagined.' (David Hume) To me, a miracle is an act of God. The act could happen to anyone and is unusually helpful, superficial and supernatural. Most of the time the receiver realizes that a miracle has occurred and is very thankful. I believe miracle to be a divine occurrence. For some people a very short or long time may required. There are many kinds of miracles, depending on one's needs, desire or expectation. E.g. . Being cured from cancer, regaining sight or good health; 2. Winning the lottery. A miracle may mean differently to people. It is not a matter of disagreement but of

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  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Religious Studies (Philosophy & Ethics)
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Why did the Whitechapel murders attract so much attention in 1888?

2. Why did the Whitechapel murders attract so much attention in 1888? The whitechapel murders attracted so much attention in 1888 due to a serial killer that walked the streets of whitechapel. This serial Killer committed some atrocious and unthinkable crimes. The first unfortunate victim of this mad man was; Number: 1 Name: Mary Anne Nichols Known as: 'Polly' Date of birth: Date of death: 31st August 1888 Age: 42 Laid to rest: Ilford cemetery, 6th sep 1988 Features: 5`2" tall, brown eyes, dark complexion, brown hair turning grey, 5 front teeth missing, small scar on forehead, described as having delicate features with high cheekbones. How killed (wounds): Savagely attacked across the throat , exposing vertebrae, repeatedly stabbed at the stomach, however this murder got little publicity, unlike today. Information: The estranged wife of a printer, 'Polly' had born five children, but their marriage up in 1880, some pointing th finger towards William, who was said to be having an affair with 'Pollys' best friend and at the time nurse during 'Polly' last pregnancy. It was then that she became a prostitute and started drinking heavily. She was a poor, needy women that most liked yet pitied. Number: 2 Name: Annie Chapman Known as: 'Dark Annie' Date of birth: September 1841 Date of death: 8th September

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  • Level: GCSE
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Why Do Christians Oppose Abortion.

Why Do Christians Oppose Abortion Abortion, the termination of an unborn child from a pregnant mother, is a topic that which has raged on for hundreds of years. Two sides to the idea exist. Pro-choice groups are for abortion, or the choice of the mother. Pro-life groups are against abortion or for the life of the baby. Yet why is it that pro-life groups are mainly made up of practising Christians? Many Christians oppose abortion because they few unborn babies as humans and therefore view abortion as murder. Strong pro-life activists may believe that life starts as early as conception and views contraceptives such as the pill as abortion. Less strong pro-life people may view the start of life later. Despite this variation in perception, all pro-life activists will view the start of life as pre birth, and that abortion after their perception of the start of life as murder of the child. Some pro-life supporters would not always view abortion as wrong and certain groups promote abortion providing it is only used when it threatens the life of the mother. There are hundreds of beliefs about when and when not abortion should be used among liberal pro-life supporters but the basic idea is that abortion should only happen if it would seriously affect the mother to have a child. Other Christians are for abortion because they believe in the right of the mother. They believe that god

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  • Level: GCSE
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why is there a need for world development

Why Is There A Need For World Development? Millions of people around the world are suffering from starvation and poverty. The reason for this is many countries are not as privileged as others. These countries are knows as "Less Economically Developed Countries" or LEDC's Signs of an LEDC are not hard to find. Things such as poor housing, poor healthcare, disease and a high risk of crime are all regular day to day situations that people living in LEDC's have had to learn to live with. Conditions are harsh and there are no means to stop this issue from continuing. Places such as Africa, Brazil, India and Pakistan are all classed as LEDC's, with little or no water supplies in most villages, and a high risk of catching a fatal disease. Infant mortality is very common as there are no vaccinations or other healthcare available, along with other children under the age of 5 being much more likely to catch a disease, compared to children in their teens. However, there are more millions of people indulging in a variety of food, clothes, housing and other luxuries. These countries are known as "More Economically Developed Countries" or MEDC's. These countries are lucky enough to have the money and the wealth to look after their country and the people living in it. There are many examples of MEDC's, such as England, France, Spain and Germany, who all have the money to live a happy and

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  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Religious Studies (Philosophy & Ethics)
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