PART 3 (A) – Pro Euthanasia Arguments
A dignified death?
For some people, the most important question about euthanasia is "Is it ever right to kill an innocent
human being?" Some believe we all need rules to live by, and everyone recognizes the power behind
the rule "Do not kill". Where does this rule come from, and why should we keep it? Some people
choose to break this rule in some circumstances. Others believe there are occasions when 'the end
justifies the means'.
There are other issues raised by euthanasia, however. If euthanasia was legal, what effect would this
have on the elderly, people with disabilities, the terminally ill? This issue is about the way we view
people. Are some lives worth less than others?
Euthanasia is one of the most difficult ethical issues you will face. Even if you know what you value
most, the answer won't be straight-forward. What if I believe in the sanctity of life, that all humans
should be given dignity and respect - how should I respond to a dying person's plea to help them have
a peaceful death?
ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:
1.
2.
What does the phrase “the end justifies the mean” mean? You may research over the internet
if you’re not sure.
Why would someone believe this argument if they were “pro-euthanasia”?
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READ THE FOLLOWING PRO-CHOICE ARGUMENTS FOR EUTHANASIA
When you are done, RANK the TOP 6 arguments in order from best argument, to 6th best
argument. For the top 3 arguments, write TWO sentences each explaining why you
personally believe they are credible arguments. **Remember, even if you do not believe
in Euthanasia, these arguments can still be credible and legitimate!! It’s important to
consider the ‘other side’ in every argument of debate.
Pro-choice arguments (for Euthanasia)
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Can quickly and humanely end a patient’s suffering, allowing them to die with dignity.
Can help to shorten the grief and suffering of the patient’s loved ones.
Everyone has the right to decide how they should die.
Death is a private matter, and if you are not hurting anyone else, the state should not
interfere.
Most people would have their pets put down if they were suffering – this would be regarded
as kindness. Why can’t the same kindness be given to humans?
Illness can take away autonomy (the ability to make choices) and dignity, leaving you with no
quality of life; euthanasia allows you to take back control in deciding to die
Keeping people alive costs a lot of money, which could be used to save other people's lives
Some Christians would support euthanasia. They might argue:
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God is love. Christianity is love and compassion. Keeping someone in pain and suffering is
not loving, it is evil. Euthanasia can be the most loving action, and the best way of putting
agape love into practice.
Humans were given dominion over all living things by God (Genesis 1:28), i.e. we can choose
for ourselves.
Jesus came so that people could have life “in all its fullness” John 10:10: this means quality
of life. If someone has no quality of life, then euthanasia could be good.
God gave humans free will. We should be allowed to use free will to decide when our lives
end.
“ Do to others as you would have them do to you”. How would you want to be treated?
There are examples of euthanasia in the Bible - in 2 Samuel 1:9-10 “Then he begged me,
‘Come over here and put me out of my misery, for I am in terrible pain and want to die.’ So
I killed him.”
Thomas More, a Roman Catholic saint, wrote a book about a perfect society ('Utopia'),
which included euthanasia - people "choose to die since they cannot live but in great
misery."
Pro Euthanasia Part 3: B
Please read the following article:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/story/2010/12/06/f-robert-latimer-compassionatehomicide.html
When you are finished reading, answer the following questions:
1. What did Robert Latimer do, and why did he say he did it?
2. Describe THREE examples of Tracey’s physical and/or mental conditions before
her death.
3. Robert Latimer’s actions are extremely controversial. Define what controversial
means.
4. Explain how the following paragraph from the article proves that his action is
controversial.
“The killing of Tracy Latimer has been called an act of "compassionate homicide”
[mercy killing]. Others warn that leniency for Latimer, by means of a constitutional
exception, would have shown that the disabled are regarded as second-class
citizens.”
5. What specific crime was Robert Latimer convicted of?
6. Justice [Judge] Ted Nobles called Tracy Latimer's murder a:
“‘a rare act of homicide that was committed for caring and altruistic reasons. That
is why, for want of a better term, this is called compassionate homicide…Latimer's
relationship with Tracy [was] that of a loving and protective parent who wanted to
end his daughter's suffering.”
a) Define alturistic:
b) Define compassionate:
c) Do you agree with the judge’s opinion? Explain your answer in a
minimum of 3 sentences.
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What do YOU Think?
Now that you have had the opportunity to research on the
topic of euthanasia, you can now claim to make an educated
opinion on the topic. In a paragraph of at least 200 words,
argue whether euthanasia should be legal, or illegal. In your
answer, you must include a minimum of THREE arguments or
facts that you have learned in parts 1, 2 and/or 3.