Euthanasia:A Growing International

Phenomenon

About the Author

• Taylor Nelson; 22• Major: Psychology; Minor: Justice

Studies• Will attend Mercer Law School in

August 2015• I am intrigued by euthanasia

because of the legal and moral aspects of it. I have always found it to be an interesting topic, although it is very controversial. I won’t say that I am 100% for it, but I do believe in it for certain cases.

What is Euthanasia?• the act or practice of killing someone who is

very sick or injured in order to prevent any more suffering (Merriam-Webster)

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hssHdHGYlgM

Global Euthanasia• Various forms of euthanasia are legal in 7 different countries:

– Belgium– Colombia– India– Ireland– Luxembourg– Mexico– Netherlands

• Forms of euthanasia are also legal in 4 states in the United States:– Oregon– Washington– Montana– Vermont

Who does this apply to?• There are guidelines that regulate when life-ending

measures can be used. • Euthanasia is generally based on the wishes of the

person who it will be applied to. • It is usually only used for patients who are terminally ill

and want to die with dignity on their own terms. – A terminal illness is one in which there is no expectation of

recovery (Life.org)

Euthanasia Controversy• Legality– Supports say it is within a terminally ill patient’s rights to decide

to die. – Opponents say doctors violate the Hippocratic Oath by not

withholding their moral responsibility to keep their patients alive (Euthanasia Pro Con)

• Morality– Jewish and Christian people oppose suicide because they see it

as not consistent with human responsibilities to God (Health.Ny.Gov)

History: Dr. Jack Kevorkian• Dr. Kevorkian devoted most of his life to

advocating for physician-assisted suicide.

• He started writing about Euthanasia in the 1980s and came up with plans for suicide clinics.

• He helped more than 130 people choose to end their lives.

• He is known for his part in euthanasia and his “suicide machine” (euthanasia.procon.org)

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFoanUh4mAA

Works Cited

• http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/euthanasia

• http://euthanasia.procon.org/ • https://www.health.ny.gov/regulations/task_f

orce/reports_publications/when_death_is_sought/chap5.htm

• http://www.newhealthguide.org/Where-Is-Euthanasia-Legal.html

• http://www.life.org.nz/euthanasia/abouteuthanasia/abouteuthanasia4