904_Group_P1

Position Paper – Part One

Name: Kate Borromeo

Instructions: Please use this form as an organizer for writing your portion of your group position paper. You will be writing the opening paragraphs of the paper. You should clearly and thoroughly identify the problem that you are addressing. You may use your own research and the research from other members of your group. Be sure to follow the MLA citation format that you used when completing your JRP. Your portion of the paper should be a minimum of one page in length.

I. There is a problem in society today. That problem is

Presently, there are two contradicting sides either opposing or supporting the act of euthanasia. One side of the argument that supports euthanasia believes it is a form of mercy meant for individuals that are terminally ill ("Euthanasia and the Right to Die: Outlook"). Additionally, those supporting euthanasia believe that it is the patient’s right regarding their freedom of choice to choose whether or not they desire the process of euthanasia (“Euthanasia Pros and Cons”). On the contrary, those opposing euthanasia considers it as a form of murder. Euthanasia provides a way to relieve extreme pain in addition to serving as a method of relief when an individual’s quality of life is low (“Euthanasia Pros and Cons”). Euthanasia also frees up medical funds to help other people (“Euthanasia Pros and Cons”). However, individuals are being denied the right to choose whether or not they want to die through the use of euthanasia, which is why euthanasia is a problem in society today.

II. Facts that demonstrate that there is a problem are: (You may use your own sources and the sources of the members in your group)

Several court cases have served as support regarding the current problem being faced concerning euthanasia. The case of Terri Schiavo is one example that displays a problem regarding euthanasia ("Euthanasia and the Right to Die"). Terri's husband attempted to have her doctors remove her feeding tube due to the fact that she was in a critical state for fifteen years. However, Terri's parents brought her husband to court regarding his attempt to have Terri's feeding tube removed because they did not approve of his decision. This case displays the two contradicting sides regarding euthanasia and that the problem needs to be resolved to avoid further conflict between the two distinct sides. Furthermore, a pathologist and trained physician by the name of Jack Kevorkian started a clinic, Margo Janus Mercy Clinic, meant for people who want to be euthanized and also doubled as a hospice (“Kevorkian Opens Clinic, Attends 24th Death”). Kevorkian’s clinic in particular, provides the option of euthanasia because the clinic supports an individual's right to choose. Additionally, Kevorkian assisted numerous patients who requested the means to take their own lives and was charged with second-degree murder and sentenced to prison ("Euthanasia and the Right to Die: Outlook"). People who are in extreme pain and people with a low quality of life are being denied means to end their misery. Terminally ill people, and others who opt for euthanasia, occupy space in hospitals due to their extended stays, which may be provided to patients who possess the potential to actually be cured. The Supreme Court does not consider euthanasia a constitutional right, but that it is illegal under common law. Jack Kevorkian appealed the ruling, stating that the Constitution gives people the right to "end intolerable pain, suffering or debilitation (“Kevorkian Opens Clinic, Attends 24th Death”)."