Linked to suicide- it is intrinsically wrong and rejecting God's gift of life
Euthanasia is against God;s will and plan
The sancitity of life should be preserved
Situation ethics may consider euthanasia to be the most loving thing in circumstance.This does not consider the quality of life but stresses the need for agape.
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Natural law
Euthanasia goes against the primary precept of the preservation of life.
Taking life is intrinsically wrong
Nature should be allowed to take its own course without human intervention, against what nature.
Natural law does not allow a patient to refuse treatment- extraordinary means
The doctrine of double effect can be applied
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Utilitarianism
Utilitarianism would look for the best consequences for the greatest number.
It rejects the sanctity of life argument
Focuses on the Quality of life argument-pleasure Vs pain.
Patients interests are the minority and this means no protection for the minority.
Mill would stress autonomy and says that people should have full autonomy so long as it does not harm others.
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Kantain ethics
People should be treated as ends not means
The person has a moral duty to others such as family and doctors.Doctors have a duty of care to the patient which means that euthanasia is wrong as it would go against these duties.
Any decisions should be made using reason and should be objective unemotional decisions.
Euthanasia is difficult to universalise, as Kant also thought that personal autonomy and freedom were important.
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