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Euthanasia

In this lesson, we will look at religious views on euthanasia. We will explore reasons for Euthanasia, the law on Euthanasia, Christian views (situation ethics, sanctity of life), Islamic views (Command not to kill, predestination) and non-religious views (utilitarianism).

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Euthanasia

In this lesson, we will look at religious views on euthanasia. We will explore reasons for Euthanasia, the law on Euthanasia, Christian views (situation ethics, sanctity of life), Islamic views (Command not to kill, predestination) and non-religious views (utilitarianism).

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Reasons for Euthanasia
  2. Law on Euthanasia
  3. Christian views (situation ethics, sanctity of life)
  4. Islamic views (Command not to kill, predestination)
  5. Non-religious views (utilitarianism)

Equipment

You will need two different coloured pens: black or blue and another coloured pen, such as green or red.

Content guidance

  • Contains subject matter which individuals may find upsetting.

Supervision

Adult supervision suggested

Licence

This content is made available by Oak National Academy Limited and its partners and licensed under Oak’s terms & conditions (Collection 1), except where otherwise stated.

Lesson video

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Starter quiz

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5 Questions

Q1.
Which group below usually believe that life begins at conception?
Correct answer: All Christians
Humanists
Muslims
Roman Catholics
Q2.
Which ethical theory is based on the principle of doing the most loving thing?
Sanctity of Life
Correct answer: Situation Ethics
Utilitarianism
Q3.
What view are Muslims most likely to have about abortion?
It is acceptable whenever a woman wants one, as it is her body
It is never acceptable under any circumstance due to predestination
Correct answer: It is only acceptable when it is considered the lesser of two evils (such as when the mother's life is at risk)
They think it should be legal to bring about the greatest good for the greatest number of people
Q4.
Which of the circumstances below is NOT one in which a woman can have an abortion after 24 weeks?
If continuing the pregnancy risks serious physical or mental damage to the mother
Correct answer: If the mother didn't know she was pregnant
If the unborn baby is likely to be born with serious physical or mental handicaps.
When the mother's life is at risk
Q5.
Which of the options below is NOT thought of as a potential time at which life begins?
At conception
At the first heart beat
When the baby could survive outside of the womb
Correct answer: When the baby is a week old

Exit quiz

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5 Questions

Q1.
Which of the groups below is usually against euthanasia due to the belief in predestination?
Church of England
Humanists
Correct answer: Muslims
Roman Catholics
Q2.
Which definition below best fits with the term 'euthanasia'?
This is when a pregnancy is deliberately ended
This is when someone is unlikely to make a recovery and the doctors / patient decide to end their treatment
This is when the medication given to make someone more comfortable have the side effect of speeding someone's death
Correct answer: This translates as 'good death' and is when someone requests to have their life ended by a doctor. Drugs will be used to end their life.
Q3.
Which of the reasons below is not generally accepted as a reason for a person to be euthanised?
They are living with a disability or illness which will not get better, and which causes them daily suffering
Correct answer: They have a illness in which they have a 50% chance of full recovery
They have a terminal illness that will cause them increasing suffering
They have been diagnosed with a degenerative disease of the brain
Q4.
Which of the ethical theories below is most likely to be followed by Muslims?
Correct answer: Sanctity of life
Situation ethics
Utilitarianism
Q5.
Which of the ethical theories below is most likely to be followed by Roman Catholics?
Correct answer: Sanctity of life
Situation Ethics
Utilitarianism

Lesson appears in

UnitReligious education / Matters of life and death

Religious education

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