BIOMEDICAL ISSUE: EUTHANASIA

voluntary, involuntary, active, and passive euthanasia

Identification of different types of euthanasia:

incurable diseases, severe suffering, and terminal conditions

Explanation of when euthanasia is applied:

Delving into the circumstances under which euthanasia might be considered, often involving (___________________________________________). This section would explore medical criteria and eligibility.

permits physician-assisted dying

A specific focus on legislation that (_____________________), detailing its provisions, safeguards, and the specific patient criteria required (e.g., terminal illness with a prognosis of six months or less to live, mental competency).

murder, homicide, or

complicity

Discussion of the liability of the parents or relatives who consented and allowed

the conduct of euthanasia:

Examining the legal ramifications for individuals involved in euthanasia where it is

not legally sanctioned, including potential charges of (_______, ________, ___________). This might involve exploring cases where consent is given without legal

backing.

(third party directly) (self-administering)

Distinction between euthanasia and assisted suicide:

A crucial differentiation based on who performs the final act leading to death.

Euthanasia involves a (_______________) causing death, while assisted suicide

involves the patient (______________) the lethal means.

(euthanasia (mercy killing) (ethics, individual autonomy, and societal values)

Core Issue:

The ongoing global debate concerning the legality and morality of (______________), a complex issue touching on medical (________, __________, ___________).

"mercy killing."

Definition: The act of intentionally bringing about the death of a person suffering from an incurable disease or unbearable pain, typically to alleviate suffering. It is often referred to as

The Netherlands, Belgium, Colombia, Switzerland, Canada

Global Legal Status (as of 2015, with some context):

▪ Permitted Countries:

The Netherlands

Was the first country to legalize euthanasia in 2002, under strict conditions including unbearable suffering with no prospect of improvement, and the patient's explicit, well-considered request.

Belgium

Legalized euthanasia in 2002, with similar stringent conditions. In 2014, it extended the law to allow euthanasia for terminally ill children, a unique aspect globally.

Colombia

Legalized euthanasia by court ruling in 1997, affirming the right

to a dignified death.

Switzerland

While euthanasia is illegal, assisted suicide is tolerated under

specific conditions, primarily if the assister has no selfish interest. This

distinction is crucial.

Canada

Legalized medical assistance in dying (MAID) on February 6, 2015,

initially for adults suffering from a grievous and irremediable medical

condition, later expanded to include non-terminal conditions with

safeguards.

Oregon, Washington, Vermont

United States (as of 2015): Only three states had legalized physician-assisted dying (a form of assisted suicide, not active euthanasia) through the "Death with Dignity Act." These states were:

Oregon

First to pass its Death with Dignity Act in 1997.

Washington

Followed Oregon in 2009.

Vermont

Legalized physician-assisted dying in 2013. (Note: Since 2015, more states and Washington D.C. have passed similar laws.)

Philippines

The act of mercy killing remains a highly controversial subject among

lawmakers and the general public, largely due to strong religious and cultural

opposition. There is no existing legislation that permits euthanasia or assisted

suicide.

Euthanasia:

This is committed when a third party's direct action causes the patient's death. The example of a relative suffocating a patient illustrates a direct, active intervention. The "last act" is performed by someone other than the patient.

Assisted Suicide:

This occurs when the patient's last action causes his or her own death, with the assistance of another person (often a physician) who provides the means or information. The example of a patient overdosing on doctor-prescribed sleeping pills clearly shows the patient's agency in the final act.

Voluntary Euthanasia:

Requires explicit, informed consent from the patient. This implies the patient is mentally competent and has made a clear and consistent request.

Involuntary Euthanasia:

Performed when the patient is incapable of giving consent (e.g., mentally ill, in a persistent vegetative state, or comatose) and the decision is made by others, often family members or legal guardians, based on what they believe the patient would have wanted or what is in their "best interest." This is often the most ethically contentious form.

Active Euthanasia:

Involves the direct application of lethal substances or forces to

end a patient's life. Administering a lethal injection is the most common example.

This is generally illegal in most countries.

Passive Euthanasia:

Involves the withholding or withdrawing of life-sustaining and

life-prolonging treatments, allowing the underlying disease to take its natural

course. The example of withholding dialysis for a 90-year-old patient with end-stage

renal failure highlights the decision to cease futile or burdensome medical

interventions. This is generally considered ethically and legally distinct from active

euthanasia in many jurisdictions.

World Health Organization (WHO) Stance:

strongly advocates for palliative care as a means to improve the quality of life for terminally ill patients, rather than resorting to euthanasia.

Focus of Palliative Care:

: It aims to relieve suffering and improve quality of life for patients and their families facing life-limiting illness, regardless of prognosis. This includes managing pain and other physical symptoms, as well as addressing psychosocial and spiritual problems.

House Bill No. 564 ("Magna Carta for Patients' Rights," introduced August

22, 2000):

This bill aimed to affirm fundamental patient rights, including

the right to refuse diagnostic and medical treatment. While not directly

legalizing euthanasia, it touches on patient autonomy in end-of-life

decisions.

House Bill No. 8148

This bill was more explicit, asserting a patient's right

to terminate his/her life by will or with the assistance of a physician. This

directly addresses the concept of physician-assisted dying.

Societal Norms and Values (Utilitarianism/Communitarianism):

Individual/Family Norms and Values (Deontology/Virtue Ethics):

Two Primary Ethical Frameworks:

Societal Norms and Values (Utilitarianism/Communitarianism):

This perspective often weighs the good of the individual against the good

of the community. The example provided, though ethically problematic in

modern discourse, suggests a historical or theoretical context where

ending a life with a contagious disease might be rationalized if the

existence of that individual is seen as less significant than the collective

well-being of society. This kind of argument (e.g., "getting rid of the

infectious disease" rather than letting it spread) has been used in various

historical contexts, though it clashes with modern bioethical principles of

individual rights and dignity. It highlights a potential slippery slope

argument against euthanasia.

Individual/Family Norms and Values (Deontology/Virtue Ethics):

This framework focuses on personal beliefs, close family ties, and the

inherent value of an individual life. Decisions regarding euthanasia are

deeply personal and can be profoundly influenced by the family's shared

values, cultural background, and emotional connections. For many, the act

of euthanasia would go against deeply held desires to preserve life and

support loved ones, even in suffering.

"Mortal Sin" Concept:

Faith and Miracles:

Karma and Afterlife:

"Will of God":

o Moral Issues of Euthanasia – The Conflict with Religious and Philosophical Beliefs:

▪ Religious Affiliations and Beliefs:

"Mortal Sin" Concept:

Many major religions (e.g., Catholicism, Islam, Orthodox Judaism) view euthanasia as a grave sin because they believe life is a sacred gift from a divine being. Taking one's own life or assisting in it is seen as usurping God's role.

Faith and Miracles:

Belief in divine intervention or miracles often leads to the conviction that a cure is always possible through faith, even in terminal cases.

Karma and Afterlife:

Some religious traditions (e.g., certain Eastern religions) hold beliefs about (1) (______) or specific conditions for the (1) (_______), where ending a life prematurely could have negative spiritual consequences.

"Will of God":

A fundamental tenet for many is that humans should not go

against the divine will concerning life and death.

("Crucial Act" / "Murder" / "Attempted Suicide":) (Euthanasia) (Voluntary euthanasia)

(_______________________________)

▪ (______________) is widely viewed as a violation of the sanctity of human life. The

principle that "life belongs to God" or that human life has inherent dignity

and value irrespective of condition is central to this argument.

▪ (________________) is often considered a form of assisted suicide,

blurring the lines with self-harm, which is typically condemned morally and

often legally.

Slippery Slope Argument:

Financial Burden:

Coercion/Undue Influence:

Economic Considerations and Pressure:

Slippery Slope Argument:

A significant concern is that once euthanasia becomes an accepted medical procedure, it could become subject to economic pressures.

Financial Burden:

The immense costs of long-term hospital and medical expenses for terminally ill patients can create a substantial (____________) on families.

Coercion/Undue Influence:

: This financial strain could implicitly or explicitly pressure relatives to consider euthanasia as a "solution," even if it goes against their or the patient's true wishes. This raises serious ethical questions about genuine consent and voluntariness.

• 5. Legal Issues and Concerns of Euthanasia

o Some of the Legal Issues and Concerns of Euthanasia:

The Illegal Conduct of Euthanasia:

Use of Prohibited Paraphernalia/Lethal Weapons:

Intent to Kill:

Minimal Chances of Survival:

The Illegal Conduct of Euthanasia:

This refers to instances where euthanasia is performed outside of any legal framework, often involving criminal acts.

Use of Prohibited Paraphernalia/Lethal Weapons:

In such cases, the act might involve the use of substances or methods that are illegal or outside of medical practice, potentially in connivance with individuals involved in illicit activities. This raises questions of criminal conspiracy and illegal possession.

Intent to Kill:

If the principal perpetrator has a clear intent to kill the victim,

even under the guise of "euthanasia," the act is legally classified as murder

or homicide, regardless of the victim's condition. This eliminates any

"mercy" defense.

Minimal Chances of Survival:

The method used in illegal euthanasia might

be designed to ensure (_________________) for the victim, further

indicating a criminal intent.

Acquisition of Wealth and Power:

Forensic Investigation:

Power and Wealth as Motives:

Forensic Investigation

Such cases would require thorough forensic investigation to determine the true motive and method of death.

(Article 253, Revised Penal Code of the Philippines:) (prision mayor) (reclusion temporal) (arresto mayor)

(_____________________________________)

"Any person who shall assist another to commit suicide shall suffer from (________)." This penalty applies if someone provides the means or encouragement for another person to take their own life. ▪ "If such person leads his assistance to another to the extent of doing the killing himself, he shall suffer the penalty of (___________)." This signifies a higher degree of culpability, effectively

treating the act as a form of homicide or murder, were the

assister directly causes the death.

▪ "However, if the suicide is not consummated, the penalty of

(_____________) in its medium and maximum periods shall be

imposed." This provision addresses attempts at assisted suicide,

showing that even unsuccessful attempts carry legal

consequences.

Implication for Euthanasia:

In the Philippines, an act of active euthanasia would likely fall under these provisions, or even more severe murder/homicide charges, as it involves a direct act to end life. Even passive euthanasia, if interpreted as a deliberate omission leading to death, could potentially face legal scrutiny, although this is more complex.

▪ Legal Guardianship:

▪ Lack of Consent of the Victim's Family Members, or Relatives:

Legal Guardianship:

In cases where a patient is incapacitated, legal consent for medical procedures, especially life-ending ones, typically rests with designated legal guardians or next-of-kin.

Criminal Liability:

Performing euthanasia without proper legal consent

from family members or legal guardians, especially if the patient is unable

to consent, can lead to serious criminal charges, including murder or

homicide, as it would be considered an unauthorized taking of life. This

underscores the importance of informed consent and legal procedures.