helping someone end their life, often through euthanasia or assisted suicide

providing someone with the means to end their life due to terminal illness or severe suffering

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

medical care that focuses on providing relief from pain aiming to improve the quality of life for patients

Christianity and the issue of 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 principle of {{ }} of life is often used to argue against euthanasia, as it states that life is sacred and should not be ended deliberately.

In the UK, assisting someone to die is {{ }}, even if they have a terminal illness and request it.

Active euthanasia is done by doctors, passive euthanasia by family.

Active euthanasia causes death; passive euthanasia lets death happen.

Passive euthanasia is legal everywhere; active euthanasia is always illegal.

What is the main difference between active and passive euthanasia?

It might encourage medical professionals to act unethically.

It allows people to make their own choices about death.

It gives patients more control over their suffering.

Which of the following is a concern some people (religious or non-religious) have about legalising euthanasia?

The belief that individuals have complete autonomy over their lives.

The idea that ending suffering is always the most important factor.

Which religious belief is often used to justify opposition to euthanasia?

It allows people to die with dignity and avoid unnecessary suffering.

It encourages doctors to end lives without consent.

It leads to increased suffering for patients.

Which of these statements is an argument for legalising euthanasia?

The Church of England believes that abortion is never acceptable.

Catholics believe that no circumstance can justify taking an innocent human life.

“Love your neighbour as yourself” (Matthew 22:39)

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you” (Jeremiah 1:5)

“You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13)

Which Christian teaching suggests that God has a plan for every human life before birth?

It teaches that we should love and care for others.

It states that life begins at conception.

How do some Christians use the Parable of the Good Samaritan to support abortion in certain cases?

The term pro {{ }} refers to people who believe the foetus has a right to life and generally oppose abortion.

The Catholic Church follows the ethical theory of {{ }} Law, which teaches that abortion is always wrong.

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Adult supervision recommended

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Christianity and the issue of euthanasia

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.