Lecture Notes: Euthanasia and Abortion

Lecturer: Andrea Diem

Introduction

• Lecture covers two main topics: Euthanasia and Abortion.
• Aim: Clarify key points and integrate ideas in bioethics.

Euthanasia

Definition

• Greek origin: "Good death" (eu - good, thanatos - death).
• Related to living well and flourishing (eudaimonia).

Types of Euthanasia

• Passive Euthanasia: Non-interventionist; allowing natural death without intervening.
  • Example: Not providing life-prolonging treatments.
• Active Euthanasia: Interventionist; assisting in death through medical means.
  • Example: Physician-assisted death via injection.
  • Legal in California since June 2016.

Historical Perspectives

• Plato: Supported passive euthanasia; against actively assisting death.
• Pythagoras: Opposed euthanasia; viewed life as determined by the gods.
• Hippocratic Oath: Prohibits administering poison to end life.
• Ancient Rome: Viewed euthanasia as murder, except in specific cases.
• Middle Ages: Christianity, Judaism, and Islam opposed euthanasia.
• Thomas More: Advocated for euthanasia in cases of extreme suffering.
• Francis Bacon: Supported the skillful easing of death.

Modern Legalization

• Oregon (1990s): Death with Dignity Act.
• California: Legalized active euthanasia in 2016.
• Netherlands and Belgium: Allow voluntary euthanasia.

Case Studies

• Dr. Jack Kevorkian: Assisted in 130 euthanasia cases; convicted for second-degree murder.

Types of Euthanasia by Consent

• Voluntary Euthanasia: Patient requests assistance in dying.
• Involuntary Euthanasia: Rare; involves ending life for mercy.
• Non-Voluntary Euthanasia: Decisions made when patients cannot express consent (e.g., coma).

Abortion

Overview

• Hotly debated bioethical topic.
• Three positions: Always wrong, mother's right, case-dependent.

Key Positions

• Catholic Archbishop: Life begins at conception; no interference.
• Pro-Choice (Susie Allison): Women's right to choose; most abortions within 3 months of gestation.
• Peter Singer: Central nervous system development as a threshold.

Historical and Cultural Perspectives

• Plato and Aristotle: Permitted abortion, particularly in cases of disability.
• Quickening: The fetus starts to move (approx. 17 weeks).
• Augustine and Aquinas: Allowed early abortions pre-quickening.

Legal Context

• Roe vs. Wade (1973): Legalized abortion in the United States.
• Varying laws worldwide, e.g., Europe allows abortions, Ireland has restrictions.

Medical Aspects

• Abortion Pill: Must be used within 7 weeks.
• Morning After Pill: Used within 72 hours post-intercourse.

Philosophical Views

• Arguments for the fetus as a potential person versus actual person rights.
• Considerations for disabilities and the rights of the pregnant woman.

Conclusion

• Euthanasia and abortion remain complex, multi-faceted issues in bioethics.
• Varying historical, cultural, and legal perspectives influence the debate.
• Further resources available through assigned readings and films.

• Note: For any academic queries, reach out through the Health Forum or email.