A democratic government is responsible for protecting the lives of all its
citizens. A central
democratic principle, however, is that each person is autonomous
(self-governing): people have the right to make personal decisions and to
exercise control over their own lives. These two principles are often in
conflict when considering the health and medical care of individuals. For
example, many people believe that the right to live autonomously includes the
right to decide when and how they end their own lives, particularly when "life"
means facing a terminal illness, depression, or terrible pain. Many other
people see end-of-life decisions not as personal choices but as a matter of
social responsibility-they oppose permitting suicide or enabling someone else
to die. The challenge of finding the balance between protecting life and
preserving autonomy often is illustrated by the question of whether the
government should permit physicians to assist patients with suicide.
This unit explores the question of whether a democracy should permit physicians
to assist in a patient's suicide. It explains the history of euthanasia, the
practice of allowing or enabling people to die in a relatively painless way. It
examines different forms of euthanasia using both historical and current
examples. It presents the arguments offered in support and in opposition to the
practice of physician-assisted suicide. The unit also presents a discussion
model called "structured academic controversy" for exploring the facts,
arguments, and options surrounding this issue.
Focus Questions
Should our democracy permit physicians to assist in a patient's suicide?
Objectives
Define euthanasia and explain its different forms.
Connect the concept of euthanasia to democratic principles.
Analyze the reasons for supporting and opposing euthanasia.
Identify areas of agreement and disagreement with other students.
Decide, individually and as a group, whether physician-assisted suicide should
be legal;
support decisions based on evidence and sound reasoning.
Reflect on the value of deliberation when deciding issues in a democracy.