Euthanasia: An Examination and Analysis of the Ethical Issues and Applied Case Studies

Euthanasia: An Examination and Analysis of the Ethical Issues and Applied Case Studies

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson you will be able to understand the ethical issues surrounding euthanasia and apply case studies to support your analysis.

Introduce the learning objective to the students and explain how it will be achieved.

What do you already know about euthanasia and its ethical implications?

Definition of Euthanasia

Euthanasia is defined as the act of intentionally ending a person's life to relieve their suffering.

Define euthanasia to the students and ask if anyone has any questions.

Types of Euthanasia

There are two types of euthanasia: voluntary and involuntary. Voluntary euthanasia is when the patient requests it, while involuntary euthanasia is when the decision is made by someone other than the patient.

Explain the difference between voluntary and involuntary euthanasia and ask for any examples of each type.

Ethical Issues Surrounding Euthanasia

The ethical issues surrounding euthanasia include the right to life, autonomy, and the sanctity of life. It is also debated whether euthanasia is considered murder or a compassionate act.

Explain the ethical issues surrounding euthanasia and ask for any opinions or thoughts from the students.

Case Study: Terry Schiavo

Terry Schiavo was a woman in a persistent vegetative state whose husband wanted to remove her feeding tube. This case sparked a national debate about the right to die and euthanasia.

Present the Terry Schiavo case and ask the students to discuss the ethical implications of the case.

Case Study: Brittany Maynard

Brittany Maynard was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer and chose to move to Oregon where assisted suicide is legal. She became an advocate for the right to die and passed away in 2014.

Present the Brittany Maynard case and ask the students to discuss the ethical implications of the case.

Religious Perspectives

Different religions have varying perspectives on euthanasia. For example, some Christians believe that euthanasia is morally wrong, while some Buddhists believe that it is acceptable in certain cases.

Explain the different religious perspectives on euthanasia and ask the students if they know of any other religious views.

Legal Status of Euthanasia

The legal status of euthanasia varies by country and state. In some places, it is legal with certain restrictions, while in others it is completely illegal.

Present the legal status of euthanasia and ask the students to discuss their thoughts on the laws.

Arguments For and Against Euthanasia

There are many arguments for and against euthanasia, including the right to die, the slippery slope argument, and the potential for abuse.

Present the arguments for and against euthanasia and ask the students to pick a side and defend it.

Conclusion

Euthanasia is a complex and controversial topic with many ethical implications. It is important to consider all perspectives and case studies when analyzing the issue.

Summarize the lesson and ask for any final thoughts or questions from the students.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.