How to Debate Against Euthanasia

The debate against euthanasia revolves around the idea that life is sacred. Opponents of euthanasia argue that life should end naturally and assisted suicide should remain illegal. Learn how to debate against euthanasia intelligently.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Understand that opponents of euthanasia use arguments that center on the idea that life should be held as sacred and that no one has the right to take a life.

2. Know one of the main arguments against euthanasia deals with how to manage pain. Proponents of assisted suicide site extreme pain as a viable reason for euthanasia. Opponents of euthanasia insist that pain management is the answer--not death. With the drugs offered today, pain can be controlled and virtually eliminated.

3. Realize that euthanasia allows one person to have physical control over another person's life. Euthanasia gives doctors, family and friends the right to kill. Although suicide is not considered an illegal act, helping someone else to die is consider a crime.

4. Understand that although someone shouldn't be forced to stay alive--drawing out the inevitable outcome of death with extreme measures--extraordinary steps shouldn't be taken to claim life either. Pain management and letting nature take its course are the ethical ways to act.

5. Argue that the debate over euthanasia is a slippery slope. Where is the line drawn in regards to who should have the right to die? Who makes the criteria?

6. Offer a religious perspective. God did not intend for the life He created to be taken by others. Understand that the religious perspective, while valid, might not be taken seriously by those who have no spiritual life.

Tips & Warnings

• Euthanasia is a crime punishable by law.