Brittany Maynard’s Perspective

Brittany’s choice: 29-year-old reignites debate about aid in dying (7:27)
Brittany Maynard Takes Medicine To End Life | NBC Nightly News (3:04)
Brittany Maynard’s Legacy: One Year Later (6:21)
Maggie Karner’s Perspective

A Letter to Brittany Maynard (Maggie Karner is in the same situation with an opposite viewpoint) 5:58
Maggie Karner’s Story (3:14)
Maggie Karner – End of Life – State Assisted Suicide (3:02)
What were your overall thoughts on euthanasia before watching these videos? Did your thoughts change after watching these videos? If so, how?
Brittany refers to euthanasia as a “healthcare choice”; Maggie calls it “state-assisted suicide.” What are your thoughts on this?
Maggie and Brittany both addressed the notion of “selfishness” in their stories. What role do you think selfishness plays in the question of euthanasia?
Which perspective do you agree with more – Maggie’s or Brittany’s? Or, a combination of both? Explain
Do you think that it should be legal to take your own life if diagnosed with a terminal illness?
What are the pros and cons of legalizing the “right to die”?

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Euthanasia: Examining Both Sides

The videos presented a complex issue: euthanasia, also referred to as physician-assisted suicide or death with dignity.

Before the videos:

  • Initial Thoughts: (Insert your initial thoughts on euthanasia here. Were you for it, against it, or unsure?)

After the videos:

  • Shifting Perspectives: (Did the videos change your perspective? If so, how? Did they challenge any assumptions you had?)

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Terminology:

  • “Healthcare choice” vs. “State-assisted suicide”:
    • Brittany’s framing as a healthcare choice emphasizes autonomy and control over her own medical decisions.
    • Maggie’s term “state-assisted suicide” highlights the legal and ethical implications of involving the state in ending a life.

Selfishness:

  • Brittany’s desire to die on her own terms could be perceived as wanting to avoid burdening her family. Maggie’s perspective emphasizes the value of life and the importance of fighting until the end.
  • Selfishness can be a complex concept in this situation.

Agreeing with a Perspective:

  • Brittany: You might agree with Brittany if you prioritize individual autonomy and the right to die with dignity, especially in the face of terminal illness.
  • Maggie: You might agree with Maggie if you value the sanctity of life and believe there’s worth in living every moment possible, even with a terminal illness.
  • Combined Perspective: It’s also possible to see merit in both sides.

Legalization:

  • This is a complex question with no easy answer. There are strong arguments on both sides:
    • Pros: Right to self-determination, reduced suffering for terminally ill patients, potential for improved palliative care.
    • Cons: Potential for abuse, risk of coercion, slippery slope towards broader acceptance of assisted suicide, concerns about proper safeguards.

Further Considerations:

  • Regulation: If legalized, how would it be regulated to ensure patient autonomy and prevent abuse?
  • Palliative Care: Ensuring access to quality palliative care to manage pain and improve quality of life for terminally ill patients is crucial in this debate.

Conclusion:

Euthanasia is a sensitive and personal issue. These videos offer valuable insight into the emotional and ethical complexities involved. There’s no single “right” answer, and thoughtful consideration of all aspects is necessary.

 

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