intentionally ending a person's life to relieve suffering, either by causing death or allowing it to occur

a place where people with terminal illnesses receive palliative care

a legal document that outlines a person’s wishes for medical treatment if they cannot communicate

medical treatment that aims to relieve pain and improve quality of life

Christian responses to euthanasia

Religious education

In this unit pupils will focus firstly on the relationship between religion and science - looking at ideas of creation. They will examine how religions view the world - examining concepts such as stewardship. Finally they will examine how religions speak about the sanctity of life.

Matters of life and death

Depiction or discussion of abortion, euthanasia, organ donation.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

The Catholic Church allows euthanasia in extreme cases.

Some Christians support euthanasia based on Jesus’ teaching of love and compassion.

What is the Christian concept that life is a gift from God and must be protected?

What type of care offers pain relief and emotional support instead of euthanasia?

to ensure a person’s medical treatment wishes are followed

to prevent families from making medical decisions

by arguing that all suffering should be avoided at any cost

by applying situation ethics, prioritising love and compassion

How might some Liberal Christians justify euthanasia?

In the UK, euthanasia is illegal, but doctors may {{ }} treatment in certain cases.

The “slippery slope” argument supports the legalisation of euthanasia.

Passive euthanasia involves taking deliberate action to cause a patient’s death.

Active euthanasia is legal, while passive euthanasia is illegal.

Active involves deliberate action to end life, passive means allowing death.

Passive euthanasia is more controversial than active euthanasia.

Which of the following explains the difference between active and passive euthanasia?

It allows people to avoid unnecessary pain and suffering.

It could lead to abuse of vulnerable people.

It is against the Hippocratic Oath for doctors.

What is a common argument in favour of legalising euthanasia?

the idea that suffering can have spiritual meaning

the belief that personal choice is the most important value

the argument that euthanasia should be available to all who want it

Which religious belief is often used to argue against euthanasia?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Adult supervision recommended

Starter Quiz