Different types of euthanasia

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What the religions say about euthanasia:

Protestantism: (source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12337911/)

• The clergy (= geistliche) are not against all forms of euthanasia
• They make a strong distinction between passive and active euthanasia
  • active: highly unacceptable
  • passive: more likely
• ranking in priority of the different circumstances under which you can stop life-supporting techniques
• Protestants and Catholics did not tend to evaluate the issues from a rough spiritual or sacred perspective. They tended to approve of passive euthanasia but strongly disagreed with active euthanasia.
• Both Protestant and Catholics have the fear that a legalisation would spread into abuses

Judaism: (source: https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/euthanasia-a-jewish-view/)

• Generally Jewish thinkers abort voluntary euthanasia although there is some support for voluntary passive euthanasia,
• Due to the Conservative Judaism movement there has been more support for passive euthanasia

Islam: (source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32623956/)

• The islam says that your life is a gift from God which is why you should prevent life as much as you can in honour to Allah
  • It emphasises the importance of a good life and your well-being. Therefore, as a Muslim, it is forbidden to end your life.
• All Islamic gauges (Lehren) consider PAS (Physician-assisted suicide) and euthanasia to be forbidden
  • BUT: If the patient is suffering from a terminal illness and you withhold or withdraw futile medical treatment, the withdrawal of treatment is considered permissible.
    • From a legal perspective: Islamic countries have not legalised PAS or euthanasia. Therefore, it is still suicide.

General Christian View on Euthanasia

What is the main principle of Christianity concerning life?

• No one has the right to murder an innocent person → Although it is not specified what “innocence” means
• No one has the right to value someone as worthless
• Dying is the spirit moving towards God