Conduct a debate on the following question one should support the motion other should opposed the motion .
1. A 17 years old girl is in your consulting room and claims to be impregnated by an errant
boyfriend. She demands an abortion service at your facility. Guide us on how you will handle
this girl.
2. A 70 years old man with cancer of the stomach requests you to give him a drug that should end
his life (make him die). He is explaining that he wants to rest from the severe pain he is
persistently experiencing. Follow us through how you will handle his request.
Motion: We should support the girl's demand for an abortion service and oppose the man's request for assisted suicide.
Supporting the girl's demand for abortion:
Opening Statement:
We believe that a 17-year-old girl's decision to seek an abortion should be respected and supported. It is important to prioritize her physical and mental well-being, as well as her autonomy in making decisions about her own body.
Argument 1: Bodily Autonomy and Reproductive Rights
Every individual has the right to bodily autonomy, including the right to control their reproductive choices. Denying the girl access to abortion services would infringe upon her fundamental rights and could lead to severe consequences for her physical and mental health.
Argument 2: Social and Economic Considerations
The girl may have valid reasons for choosing to terminate her pregnancy, including financial instability, lack of support, or a desire to complete her education. By supporting her decision for an abortion, we can prevent potential negative effects on her future prospects and well-being.
Argument 3: Responsible and Safe Medical Care
By providing safe and legal abortion services, we can ensure that the girl receives proper medical care, minimizing the risks associated with seeking unsafe and illegal alternatives. It is our duty to prioritize her health and safety.
Opposing the man's request for assisted suicide:
Opening Statement:
We oppose the idea of providing a drug for assisted suicide to a 70-year-old man with cancer. Our position is based on the principles of preserving life, providing palliative care, and safeguarding against potential abuse.
Argument 1: Sanctity of Life
Life is inherently valuable, and it is our moral and ethical responsibility to protect and preserve it. Assisting someone in ending their life goes against this principle and could set a dangerous precedent.
Argument 2: Palliative Care and Pain Management
As medical professionals, our primary role is to provide comfort and alleviate suffering. Instead of granting the man's request for assisted suicide, we should focus on offering him comprehensive palliative care and ensuring that his pain is effectively managed.
Argument 3: Vulnerable Populations and Safeguards
Allowing assisted suicide may put vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly or those with mental health conditions, at risk. It is essential to have stringent safeguards in place to protect individuals from potential coercion or abuse.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, we should support the girl's demand for an abortion service, as it respects her autonomy, reproductive rights, and overall well-being. On the other hand, we should oppose the man's request for assisted suicide, as it goes against the principles of preserving life, providing palliative care, and safeguarding against abuse. Our focus should instead be on providing the necessary medical care and support to alleviate suffering in a compassionate manner.
For motion: Supporting the girl's request for an abortion
1. It is important to prioritize the well-being and autonomy of the girl in this situation. Being pregnant at a young age can have serious physical, emotional, and social consequences for her. Granting her access to safe and legal abortion services is crucial to ensure the protection of her health and future prospects.
2. Denying the girl's request for an abortion may force her into seeking unsafe methods to terminate the pregnancy. This can lead to life-threatening complications and harm her physically and mentally. By providing her with the necessary information and access to abortion services, we are reducing the potential risks associated with unsafe abortions.
3. Additionally, it is imperative to consider the girl's mental and emotional state in this situation. Forcing her to carry an unwanted pregnancy to term can lead to severe psychological distress, as it may disrupt her future plans, aspirations, and overall quality of life. By granting her access to abortion, we are allowing her to regain control over her body and make a decision that is best for her own wellbeing.
Against motion: Opposing the girl's request for an abortion
1. Abortion is morally wrong and goes against the sanctity of life. Every human being, regardless of age, has the right to life and denying this right to an unborn child is unjustifiable. We should be promoting alternatives to abortion, such as adoption, which would protect the life of the child while addressing the concerns of the girl.
2. Providing abortion services to a young girl may also perpetuate a culture of casual sex and irresponsibility. By granting her request, we are sending a message that it is acceptable to engage in unprotected sexual activity without considering the potential consequences. Instead, we should focus on educating and empowering young individuals to make responsible choices regarding their sexual health.
For motion: Supporting the man's request for assisted dying
1. Terminally ill patients who are experiencing severe pain and suffering should have the right to die with dignity. By granting the man's request for a drug to end his life, we are respecting his autonomy and allowing him to control the timing and manner of his death. This is a compassionate choice that honors his wishes and relieves his suffering.
2. It is essential to acknowledge that palliative care may not always be able to effectively manage the pain experienced by terminally ill patients. In such cases, providing the option of assisted dying ensures that individuals are not subjected to unnecessary and unbearable suffering. By granting this request, we are promoting a compassionate approach to end-of-life care.
Against motion: Opposing the man's request for assisted dying
1. Assisting in someone's death goes against medical ethics and the primary goal of healthcare, which is to preserve and improve life. As healthcare professionals, our role is to alleviate pain and provide support, not to actively end a patient's life. Euthanasia undermines the trust patients have in the medical profession and may have unintended consequences for society as a whole.
2. The decision to end one's life should not be taken lightly, as it has profound implications for the individual, their loved ones, and society. By denying the man's request for assisted dying, we are allowing for further exploration of alternative options, such as improved pain management or palliative care, which may alleviate his suffering without resorting to ending his life.
3. Legalizing assisted dying can also create a slippery slope, where the boundaries of who can access this option may expand over time. This raises concerns about the potential for abuse and the erosion of safeguards put in place to protect vulnerable individuals. Instead, we should focus on improving end-of-life care and providing adequate support to those experiencing pain and suffering.
Debate on Question 1: Handling a 17-Year-Old Girl Seeking an Abortion Service
Supporting the Motion:
1. It is crucial to prioritize the girl's physical and mental health. Denying her access to safe and legal abortion services may lead her to seek unsafe alternatives, putting her life at risk.
2. The girl's autonomy and ability to make decisions about her own body should be respected. She should have the right to choose whether she wants to continue the pregnancy or not.
3. Providing comprehensive reproductive healthcare, including abortion services, is essential in ensuring gender equality and women's rights.
Opposing the Motion:
1. As a healthcare professional, one should respect the ethical and moral beliefs of those who oppose abortion on religious or personal grounds.
2. Instead of providing abortion services, alternatives like counseling, adoption, or supporting the girl throughout her pregnancy should be explored.
3. The potential mental repercussions of undergoing an abortion should be taken into consideration, and the girl should be encouraged to seek emotional support and counseling before making a final decision.
Debate on Question 2: Handling a 70-Year-Old Man Requesting Assisted Suicide
Supporting the Motion:
1. A person in severe and persistent pain should have the right to choose when and how to end their suffering. Assisted suicide can be seen as a compassionate option.
2. Allowing assisted suicide honors the principle of autonomy and respects an individual's right to die with dignity.
3. Palliative care may not always alleviate suffering completely, and in such cases, granting access to assisted suicide can provide relief to terminally ill patients.
Opposing the Motion:
1. As healthcare professionals, our primary responsibility is to preserve and protect life. Assisting in someone's death contradicts our ethical obligations.
2. Instead of supporting assisted suicide, efforts should be directed towards providing better pain management and end-of-life care for terminally ill patients.
3. The potential for abuse, coercion, and misjudgment in determining who is eligible for assisted suicide presents a significant ethical dilemma that cannot be easily overcome.
Ultimately, the resolution of these debates will depend on various factors, including legal frameworks, cultural values, and personal beliefs. It is important to approach these complex and sensitive topics with empathy and respect for differing perspectives while also ensuring the safety and well-being of those involved.