Teaching nots from LTCi, Siliguri

1. The case against physician assisted
suicide and euthanasia (PAS/E)
Opponents of PAS/E argue
the difference between killing
and allowing to die - we
should not kill and innocent
person. This is the key
distinction for many and ends
the discussion. The other
arguments which follow
simply build on or follow on
from this one.
Wednesday 21 September 2011

2. Physician assisted suicide and
euthanasia are way of playing God
The taking of innocent life is a
prerogative that belongs solely
to God - we are not allowed to
decide such matters. Modern
medicine doe snot play god in
helping to sustain life, only in
actively taking life.
This presupposes you believe in
God.
Wednesday 21 September 2011

3. Suffering may be redemptive
The Bible suggests that suffering
produces character - this is a major
part of biblically justifying suffering.
Rom 5:3-5, 2 Cor 4:16-17, Jas 1:2-5
If applied consistently to medicine it
precludes any treatment that
alleviates suffering (pain). Should we
stop all such medical treatment?
Biblically suffering for your faith has
redemptive value (character building)
- Rae suggests suffering that can be
avoided should be, to not do so is
foolishness. At the end of life death is
imminent so how can it be
redemptive?
Wednesday 21 September 2011

4. Misdiagnoses are possible
What if a person has been diagnosed
- PAS/E leaves no way back.
Rae cites Sidney Hook, an author,
who requested all life support be
removed from him - this was refused
and within a month he was out of
hospital and 6 months later had
resumed writing.
Wednesday 21 September 2011

5. Euthanasia will probably move from
voluntary to non voluntary
Family pressure, mounting bills, loss of money in a will,
all can lead to a family wanting things to end, they are
tired of the patients living - even if the patient does not.
There could be a pressure for elderly, terminally ill to
“justify their existence”
The pressure is to do one’s “duty to die and get out of the
way” Richard Lamm, former governor of Colorado.
This could lead to non-terminally ill people such as those
with Alzheimers, loss of brain function etc. Being subject
to euthanasia
Wednesday 21 September 2011

6. The argument is that voluntary
euthanasia is a slippery slope that
should be avoided.
Wednesday 21 September 2011

7. Conclusion
This will become more complex as medical science
progresses in its ability to extend life.
How do we reconcile using scare and expensive medical
treatments when it is futile?
All life is valuable to God so moving to support of
euthanasia should be resisted.
When reasonable treatment has been exercised it is right to
the patient the right to die as an entry into their eternal
destiny - in the presence of God.
Wednesday 21 September 2011