Forum: Special Conference (SPC) Issue: The question of euthanasia and its usage Student Officer: Divyanshi Gupta Position: Deputy Chair

Introduction “The right to life” some claim, “The right to death” others argue. Mankind is constantly evolving. Moving through time, our human race ventures towards constant development of technological, medical, and biological procedures and methods to ease the mundane life. The expediency is a double- edged sword, and although it ambitions to make human life simpler, the obstacle is the unavoidable dispute several methodologies necessitate.

Euthanasia is a similar method, although facilitating evolutionary advancements, it is often criticized for its controversial nature. Euthanasia typically refers to a method procedure that intentionally ends the life of a patient for their benefit. It is a procedure where a patient dies without suffering, mostly induced by taking medication or injecting a substance.

Several nations question the ethicality of the process of euthanasia, with very few nations legalizing the process with exceptions. Although, in a few nations the method can be deemed legal if a patient is in a vegetative state, in most nations it is illegal. Nations such as the Netherlands, Belgium, and Canada, have legalized this procedure.

The United Nations Human Rights Council has also remained silent on the topic of euthanasia due to its controversial nature, because even though the process limits the human right to life, it also provides humans with the right to die.

Definition of Key Terms

Euthanasia

Types of Euthanasia Type Definition Voluntary Euthanasia Voluntary Euthanasia is when an individual’s life is terminated at their request to dismiss them from physical suffering. Non-voluntary Euthanasia Non- voluntary Euthanasia is when a patient’s life is intentionally terminated, however the explicit consent is unavailable. Examples include when an individual is in a vegetative state, or in the case of a young child. Involuntary Euthanasia Involuntary Euthanasia is when Euthanasia is performed against a patient’s will or consent. This occurs when a patient is not asked or does not want to die. Active Euthanasia Active Euthanasia refers to the death of a patient through the dispensation of lethal substances directly and with intent Passive Euthanasia Passive Euthanasia refers to the omission or with-drawl of life-sustaining or preserving treatment Indirect Euthanasia Indirect euthanasia refers to the prescription of medication that provides short- term relief, however can terminate the life of the patient in the long-term.

Assisted suicide Assisted suicide is when a person deliberately helps or aids another person, who wants to die, to kill themselves.

Competence A patient is competent when they understand their medical condition as well as the effects and risks of their medication, disease, and treatment. They must also be able to communicate their wishes

Dignity Dignity refers to human beings merely existing, independent to the action of any other individual

DNR Abbreviation for “Do Not Resuscitate”. Instruction advising clinical staff not to endeavor to revive the patient if the patient in a case of heart attack

Doctrine of Double Effect Ethical theory that permits the utilization of medications that will abbreviate life, if the essential point is just to lessen pain.

Futile treatment Treatment that the healthcare team thinks will be totally ineffectual.

Living will An archive arranged by a person where they state their will with respect to clinical treatment and euthanasia

Palliative care Clinical, passionate, psychosocial, or profound consideration given to an individual who is in critical condition and which is planned for reducing suffering instead of restoring sicknesses

PAS Abbreviation for Physician Assisted Suicide

Vegetative state At the point when the patient just inhales and keeps their eyes open. They can't talk or cycle data. A few nations consider this to be an exemption for euthanasia.

Key Issues

Child Euthanasia "First, do no harm" is the most significant oath in the medical system. With regards to treating children, specialists are particularly aware of this commitment. Unquestionably, no doctor wants a child to die.

Pediatricians in Belgium are among vocal rivals of the new law, cautioning of a tricky incline where debilitated children could be constrained into picking death. However, the law is cautious with this. The kid must be in a "medicinally futile condition", and in steady and unendurable enduring that can't be lightened. They should comprehend the importance of killing and will be surveyed by a specialist to guarantee "discernment" in their dynamic. At last, the children’s family and doctors must consent to the solicitation. In the event that there is any uncertainty, the choice to die isn't the children’s own, PCPs will consistently decide in favor of life.

However, this law instantly eliminates patient’s in a state of unconsciousness, or children that do not possess mental maturity to make such decisions. For this very reason, English Law states that the age of criminal responsibility is at 10 years. It is almost cruel to ask children to decide of their own life and death. The main problem with child euthanasia arises here. Although it can be considered ethical to kill disabled infants since they are not conscious and sentient. However, these babies will grow up to be adults with disabilities and then they would have a varied perspective on the quality of their life compared to their parents and doctors. Studies have proven that disabled individuals perceive their life to be of a much higher quality than people without disabilities have for them.

Suicide tourism Suicide tourism is associated with the pro-euthanasia movement. Euthanasia tourism arranges trips with likely suicide candidates to countries that legalize the process of euthanasia. Between 2008-2012, around 600 patients travelled to Switzerland, travelling from 31 different countries, to obtain help with taking their own life. However, this value doubled between 2009-2012, according to a study carried out by Zurich University. This however, raises a question of whether people are truly benefitting from euthanasia, and not just utilizing the convenience of the available options. Furthermore, in Switzerland there are not laws to efficiently regulate the conditions upon which someone can obtain assisted suicide.

Slippery slope Several critics of euthanasia often support their argument with the slippery slope effect, which can lead to non-voluntary or involuntary death. The slippery slope effect discusses how the acceptance of physician-assisted suicide or voluntary euthanasia, directs to the acceptance of much outrageous practices such as non-voluntary and involuntary euthanasia. However, several medical professionals argue that with the implementation of law and legal regulations, the legalization of euthanasia can be ethically monitored.

Animal Euthanasia Animal shelters manage a total of 6 to 8 million animals per year, out of which 4 million are left abandoned. Animal shelters cannot humanely support all these animals, forcing them to live in small cages on a minimal food diet. However, the other option available leads them to roam the streets homeless, without food or shelter. With a high supply of animals and a low number of resources available to support them, sometimes the most human option is euthanasia. The Veterinary Medical Association of the world has also mentioned that an injection of sodium pentobarbital given by skilled medical professionals is the most sympathetic method of “putting down” an animal.

However, the problem occurs when cruel and intolerable methods of killing animals are utilized. Some animals are killed using gunshots, and many times the animals survive the first shot, leading them to be shot repeatedly after. Furthermore, several animal shelter facilities even utilize gas chambers to kill animals causing animals to die with muscular spasms and seizures. Moreover, although absolutely horrifying, several shelters in the USA still use the process of electrocution.

Major Parties Involved

The United States of America Oregon implemented the Death with Dignity act on October 27th 1997. This On October 27, 1997, Oregon implemented the Death with Dignity Act, which implied in critical condition patients could end their lives via passive euthanasia. All things considered, a doctor would need to endorse medicine for the ultimate objective to be accomplished. Over time other states such as Washington, Colorado, Vermont, California, and Hawaii legalized the process of passive euthanasia. However, the American Medical Association criticized this appealing, “allowing physicians to participate in assisted suicide would do more harm than good”.

Canada Canada legalized euthanasia from June 2016. However, one of the prerequisites that is required for a person to acquire euthanasia is that agree needs to reliably be communicated, not suggested. In 2017, almost 2000 patients were conceded euthanasia, excluding the locales that didn't report the demonstration.

The Netherlands Since 2001, active Euthanasia has been authorized in the Netherlands. Following 30 years of discussion they at last reached the resolution that there ought to be a law that incorporates lawfulness of euthanasia and assisted suicide. Several nations followed this decision such as Belgium and Luxembourg. Moreover, if a person is over the age of 70 they may appeal for euthanasia.

Switzerland Switzerland does not have a law that promotes assisted suicide, however, with assistance from an escape clause in the Swiss law, which decriminalizes suicide, it is essentially lawful. Euthanasia, notwithstanding, is unlawful.

Islamic World As per the Muslim conviction, assisted suicide and euthanasia are not seen as reasonable exemptions to the executing rule in Islam. Thus, while the western aspect of the world may keep on authorizing the training, it is improbable that the conspicuous Muslim world will follow the point of reference. In January 2018, Saudi Arabia suggested a medical liability bill to ban the termination of life for any reason, medical included.

United Nations The issue of Euthanasia hasn’t been authoritatively discussed to in an UNHRC meeting of the UN. In a gathering of the Human Rights Council in 2017, the contention, in any case, was referenced in a discussion concerning abortion. It seemed that the many member states agreed that “euthanasia does not violate the right to life if carried out on terminally ill patients”

Catholic Church The Catholic Church has commonly accentuated its solid position against euthanasia, expressing that the one in particular who ought to have the option to take life is God. Doctors ought to rather attempt to recuperate the patient (if conceivable), or comfort their patients in their last hours. The Jewish Community additionally prohibits the demonstration of Euthanasia in itself, expressing that individuals should battle unto their withering breath forever; self-destruction or killing would show that one isn't appreciative towards God for the existence that has been given.

NGOs Several organizations such as UK’s “Dying with Dignity” or “the Patient’s rights council” that informed the patients of all the consequences and knowledge about Euthanasia and assisted suicide. Examples of global NGOs include “Exit” in Zurich, Switzerland and “Compassion and Choices” based in the USA. Exit is available for Swiss citizens, however, C&C is available for anyone, in most states in the USA. Timeline of key events

Date Event Outcome 1828 The first law in New York against Many other American assisted suicide followed this example 1870 Samuel Williams practiced The initial known civilian euthanasia using morphine use of a drug for euthanasia stirred a lot of debate. 1915 A doctor (Dr. Haiselden) allows. Demonstrates the initial Deformed baby to die instead of conditions and process of providing surgery child euthanasia. 1935 The Voluntary Euthanasia This allowed for public Legislation Society was founded opinion on assisted suicide. 1937 The US senate introduced the Increased cases of voluntary Euthanasia act. euthanasia and regulated the process. 1940’s Involuntary Euthanasia was first Hospitals and doctors were utilized by the Nazi’s permitted. To make decisions to kill patients. This caused the involuntary death of over 70,000 patients.

1967 The first ever living will was This led to the development written, which included life- of the conditions required to sustaining interventions a person perform euthanasia on a wants due to suffering with no patient. hope of recovery. 2001 Euthanasia was legalized in This led to an increase of Netherlands euthanasia cases in Netherlands and further promoted the concept in other nations June 7, 2016 Canada legalizes This led to an increase of Physician-Assisted suicide euthanasia cases in Canada and further promoted the concept in other nations June 12, 2019 Maine legalizes Physician This led to an increase of Assisted suicide. 8th state in the euthanasia cases in USA USA. and further promoted the concept in other nations

Possible Solutions

Alternatives to Euthanasia Several methods to improve the quality of life for people suffering from terminal diseases can be suggested. This includes medical advancements and a larger amount of money being invested into the Research and Development sector of an economy/ country.

Limit Euthanasia A strong legal system must be implemented to ensure the regulation for Euthanasia. This law must outline in detail the conditions that allow a person to receive Euthanasia or assisted suicide. Measures must be taken to ensure that a person asking for euthanasia satisfies these conditions. Other factors such as minimum age, parental consent, and cure for disease must also be considered.

Research for cures to diseases Euthanasia is physician assisted suicide, and it occurs when a patient is in severe pain, and would like to safely end their life. By finding cure to more diseases, patients can be treated more appropriately, without hastily making further decisions and the rate of patients consenting Euthanasia will decrease.

Implementation of resources and medical healthcare facilities By providing patients with good palliative care, and trained professionals, patients can be encouraged and treated with better medications and treatments, making Euthanasia unnecessary. For more information about this topic: http://www.bbc.co.uk/ethics/euthanasia/ http://nlcatp.org/top-8-euthanasia-pros-and-cons/ http://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/ http://www.newint.org/

Bibliography

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