Compassion or murder?

by Nancy Velazquez
 
 

Introduction

Euthanasia is considered one of the most controversial issues today. Some define it as mercy-killing, others as assisted suicide, and some refer to it as plain murder. Through this webquest, you will be able to arrive at a thoughtful opinion and support it with convincing arguments.

The Task

Your task will be to analyze the information provided on the
Internet resources and decide if euthanasia is "compassion or murder".  Select a role as a terminally ill patient, a family member or a doctor.  Taking the perspective of the role selected, you will formulate a proposal and defend your position.

Resources

Euthanasia World Directory
 Directory of sites on laws, news, right to die societies, glossary and other euthanasia issues.

International Anti-Euthanasia Task Force
 Euthanasia practices, "right to die" cases, assisted suicide, Jack Kevorkian and others.

Association for the right to die with dignity
 This association campaigns for the right to end one's life in a dignified manner.

Queensland Right to Life
 What is the difference between passive and active Euthanasia? What goes on in Holland?

Voluntary Euthanasia Society
 What is voluntary Euthanasia? Why are these societies needed? What are their principles?

Ohio right to life
 Ohio's position on Euthanasia and sites to many issues concerning this topic (involuntary Euthanasia, living wills, pain management therapy...)

Debates on Euthanasia
 Links to pro and anti Euthanasia sites.

Yahoo Search
 Search for further information on Euthanasia and assisted suicide.

Readings:
    The following essays from The Thoughtful Reader by Mary C. Fjeldstad are recommended:

     "Deciding when death is better than life"
              Gilbert Cant

     "For doctors and patients, decisions on death"
              Andrew H. Malcolm

     "To live until you die"
              Derek Gill

     "A crime of compassion"
              Barbara Huttmann

The Process

1. Use the resources provided to familiarize yourself with the topic.

2. Divide up the three roles among your group members.

 
        terminally ill patient

        doctor

        family member

3.  Conduct your Internet research.

4.  Assume your position based on the role selected.

5.  Discuss with your group members your opinion and reasons.

6.  List all the arguments you can that support your position.

7.  As a group, formulate a proposal and prepare a computer generated persuasive presentation.

8.  Include a list of the references used in completing this webquest.

Evaluation

Your final presentation will be evaluated based on how well you can defend your position using facts obtained from your Internet research.

Conclusion

Through this activity you should have been able to consider all the different perspectives on this controversial issue and arrive at a thoughtful opinion supported by arguments.  Is Euthanasia a compassionate act or an excuse for murder? Would you agree to it for yourself or a close family member?  Would you as a doctor use euthanasia to assist a suffering patient? Why? Why not?