A template for non-religious-based discussions against euthanasia

Area of Science:

• Bioethics
• Medical Ethics
• End-of-Life Care

Background:

• Physician-assisted death (PAD) and euthanasia are subjects of ongoing societal and academic debate.
• Secular academic medical institutions host frequent discussions on end-of-life issues.
• There is a need for effective arguments against PAD/euthanasia in secular settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline an argumentative framework against physician-assisted death (PAD) and euthanasia.
• To provide a template for discussions that emphasize the dignity of life.
• To support future debates in environments potentially unreceptive to religious arguments.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of arguments presented during a 1-hour debate on physician-assisted death (PAD) and euthanasia.
• Inclusion of arguments developed by medical students and an attending physician for the 'con' side.
• Focus on elements suitable for a secular medical school campus.

Main Results:

• A structured approach for arguing against PAD and euthanasia was developed.
• Key arguments were identified and presented for use in debates.
• The framework aims to resonate within a secular context.

Conclusions:

• The presented framework offers a foundation for constructing arguments against PAD and euthanasia.
• This approach seeks to promote respect for life while engaging with secular audiences.
• The study contributes to the discourse on end-of-life ethics in academic medical settings.