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Euthanasia Report and Recommendations

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EUTHANASIA

Presented by Scott McCulloch

27 October 2012

2. Table of Contents Page

1. Title page 1 2. Table of contents 2 3. Summary 3 4. Introduction 4 4.1 Objective 4 4.2 Background 4 4.3 Methods of Inquiry 4 4.4 Definition of Terms 4 5. Reasons Supporting Euthanasia 5 5.1 Suffering 5 5.1.1 Right to Refuse 5 5.2 Life Support 5 5.3 Public Opinion 6 6. Reasons Against Euthanasia 7 6.1 Loss of Autonomy 7 6.2 Conflict of Interests 7 6.3 ‘Slippery Slope’ 7 7. Conclusion 8 8. …show more content…

Allowing someone to choose when to die, in the face of intolerable pain, is seen by South Australian Voluntary Euthanasia Society (SAVES) as the most dignified and compassionate remedy to end suffering (South Australian Voluntary Euthanasia Society 1995). Therefore, present legislation allowing patients to refuse treatment does not help them to die with any dignity. 5.2 Life Support
The cost of healthcare has risen dramatically and shows every sign of continuing to do so (Australian Psychological Society n.d.). The Australian Psychological Society claim that for many, the improper use of life support systems to temporary lengthen life, without any improvement in the quality of life, can be used as a good argument for euthanasia (Australian Psychological Society n.d.). Medical policy and hospital practice means decisions are already being made about who qualifies for life support. This implies an already covert practice of euthanasia (Chaney 2001). Therefore, some form of legalisation would acknowledge an already existing practice and extend the decision making to the patient also.
5.3 Public Opinion
Recent studies and polls in Australia seem to show support from both professionals and the general public for individuals to have the right to choose between euthanasia as an alternative to a life of suffering (What is euthanasia? 2006, para 8). If it is supposed that legislation should represent the views of the public, then

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