Sanctity in Death? An Exploration of Christian Ethical Considerations on Medical Aid in Dying in Mature Minors Open Access

Abstract

This study investigates how Christian ethics views Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) in a specific pediatric population: mature minors, or minors who possess decision-making capacity. While ample literature on how Christian ethics sees MAID and other forms of assisted dying exists, there is little research on how Christian ethics views MAID in minors specifically. This project explores the current legislative landscape on MAID in minors, before discussing the secular bioethical considerations for MAID in MM. It then gives an overview of Christian ethics, focusing on a few prominent figures, and examines how notions like compassion, sanctity of life, and faith are used in Christian ethics literature to support and object to MAID in general. This project concludes that, from a Christian ethics perspective, MAID in mature minors is preliminarily ethically impermissible, as minors are afforded extra protection in Christianity and there is often a questionable ability to self-determinate. However, there will be circumstances where Christian ethics may allow, or advocate for, the use of MAID in mature minors. 

Table of Contents

Introduction - 1

Chapter 1: The Current State of Assisted Death for Mature Minors - 3

Chapter 2: Bioethical Arguments for Medical Aid in Dying in Mature Minors - 23

Chapter 3: An Overview of Christian Ethics - 32

Chapter 4: Current Christian Ethics Viewpoints on Medical Aid in Dying - 45

Chapter 5: Christian Ethics and Medical Aid in Dying in Mature Minors - 65

Bibliography - 78

About this Master's Thesis

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School	Laney Graduate School
Department	Bioethics
Degree	M.A.
Submission	Master's Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Religion, Biblical Studies Health Sciences, Medical Ethics Theology
Keyword	Medical Aid in Dying Mature Minors Christian Ethics Bioethics
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Jonathan Crane, Emory University
Committee Members	Kathy Kinlaw, Emory University Hilary Mabel, Emory University

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