Euthanasia is a pressing and current topic of discussion, with legislation being debated across Australian parliaments. It’s also an important topic for students studying religion and society to explore in the classroom. However, it’s often difficult to find articles offering alternative, faith-based perspectives in mainstream media.
Our sister publication, Eureka Street, has recently published a number of articles that might help senior students engage with different perspectives on this issue.
Frank Brennan SJ, human rights lawyer and academic, considers in his article, ‘Four issues to consider when legislating for medically assisted dying’, the ethical and practical problems of euthanasia and medically assisted dying legislation.
In an extract from her full essay, bioethicist and academic Margaret Somerville dives into the question of ‘Why the anti-euthanasia case has been so unsuccessful?’ in the wave of passing euthanasia laws internationally and now in Australia.
A palliative care nurse, Annmarie Hosie disputes in her article, Dying and the question of dignity, that euthanasia can ever really be considered a dignified and nonviolent death.
Lecturer on moral theology and bioethics Hoa Dinh SJ explores how by weakening patient safeguards euthanasia and assisted dying laws undermine patient autonomy in his article ‘Voluntary assisted dying via telehealth is another step down a perilous path’.
Eureka Street publishes writers with an array of expertise who value human dignity and deeply consider ethical questions. For more coverage on faith, current affairs and culture please consider subscribing to Eureka Street’s newsletter or visiting Eureka Street online.