To die is Inevitable;

to suffer is Questionable
By: Luis Lo (14)

Introduction

Introduction
You are suffering from a chronic illness
Constant physical pain
Bedridden
Cannot Eat
Need others to clothe and bathe you
Would you want to die in peace?

Welcome to the debate of euthanasia.

Introduction
Thesis Statement:
Euthanasia should be advocated as it trumps
all medical advancements in elevating
suffering of patients receiving palliative care.
Objectives:
Euthanasia
Palliative Care
Look at medical advancements
Advocate

Introduction
Euthanasia
Ending of life
Lethal Injections
Ingesting of Poisons

Introduction
Palliative care
Care for a person
When a cure is not possible
Usually terminally ill patients

Findings & Analysis

Findings & Analysis

Complications & Success

Complications
Successful

Euthanasia is effective
because:

6%

It is quick and mostly

94%

successful.

Euthanasia Reciepients

Patient does not regress into

more pain.

1997
2005

Gaining Popularity

2006
0

10

20

30

40

Euthanasia Reciepients

50

Findings & Analysis

Medical advances are more
effective because:
Drugs like morphine
Ventilating machines and other

life supporting devices

Proper medical protocols

Findings & Analysis

Medical advances are not as effective
because:
Morphine is a controlled drug
Approval time is long
Amount of morphine received (mg)
Medical equipment

Amount of morphine received (mg)

USA

725

Hong Kong

79

Singapore 4.5
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800

Findings & Analysis

Medical advances are not as
effective because:

Reluctant to voice out their pain

Experience the symptoms first
Most of the patients ultimately

suffer in palliative care

Findings & Analysis

Palliative sedation
Life support systems
Food, nutrients
It would be far more

humane, to practice
euthanasia openly

Findings & Analysis

Euthanasia is ultimately more Euthanasia
effective because:
$35.50

Euthanasia is much more

affordable
Patients who choose

euthanasia are very

mentally prepared
They can choose where and

when they want to die.

Palliative Care
$35,000$40,000

Conclusion

Conclusion
Thesis Statement:
Euthanasia should be advocated as it trumps
all medical advancements in elevating
suffering of patients receiving palliative care.
Euthanasia is proven effective
Already being practiced indirectly
Parameters and Mental Preparedness

Conclusion
Recommendations:
I would strongly recommend that euthanasia be

advocated
We should learn from the few countries.
We should hold more open conversations about

this topic
Viable option for those who want a peaceful

death.
We should revise our local laws.

Conclusion
Open attitude towards euthanasia
Respect those who have made their choices

Just as I shall select my ship

when I am about to go on a
voyage, or my house when I
propose to take a residence,
so I shall choose my death
when I am about to depart
from life. ~ Seneca

References

(Jan 2011) Fear of Being a Burden. Economic Aspects of Euthanasia, [Online]. Available:
http://www.life.org.nz/euthanasia/euthanasiapoliticalkeyissues/economics/. [Accessed: 10-Aug-2013].

(Feb 2012) Shedding Light on Morphine as Painkiller. Health News, [Online]. Available:
http://www.healthxchange.com.sg/News/Pages/Shedding-Light-on-Morphine-as-Painkiller.aspx. [Accessed: 10-Aug-2013].

(May 2013) Killing the Pain Not the Patient. Palliative Care vs. Assisted Suicide, [Online]. Available: http://www.usccb.org/issuesand-action/human-life-and-dignity/assisted-suicide/killing-the-pain.cfm. [Accessed: 10-Aug-2013].

(Feb 2010) Techniques to pass on: technology and euthanasia. Conclusion, [Online]. Available:
http://www.bmartin.cc/pubs/10bsts.html. [Accessed: 28-Jul-2013].

(Feb 2012) Human Euthanasia, The Debate: The Arguments for Both Sides. Health, [Online]. Available:
http://www.examiner.com/article/human-euthanasia-the-debate-the-arguments-for-both-sides. [Accessed: 28-Jul-2013].

(Sept 2008) What Is Palliative Care? Euthanasia, [Online]. Available: http://euthanasia.procon.org/view.answers.php?

questionID=000181. [Accessed: 10-Aug-2013].

(Apr 2013) Ethical considerations in effective pain management at the end of life. Introduction, [Online]. Available:
http://www.uptodate.com/contents/ethical-considerations-in-effective-pain-management-at-the-end-of-life. [Accessed: 10-Aug2013].

[3] (Jul 2012) Patients dying in hospital in pain and lacking dignity Health News, [Online]. Available:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9372138/Patients-dying-in-hospital-in-pain-and-lacking-dignity-survey.html .
[Accessed: 10-Aug-2013].

Thank You
Question & Answer