I have been taught the value of life and the importance of treating all living beings with respect

and
compassion. Euthanasia, also known as mercy killing, is an issue that has been on my mind recently.
While I understand that euthanasia is a complex issue that has both proponents and opponents, I
believe that euthanasia is morally, ethically, and legally wrong.

Statement of Background:

Euthanasia has been a topic of debate for many years, with some advocating for its legalization and
others opposing it. Those who support euthanasia argue that it provides a humane way to end the
suffering of a person or animal. On the other hand, opponents of euthanasia argue that it is a
violation of the sanctity of life and that it has the potential to be abused.

Proposition:

I firmly believe that euthanasia is morally, ethically, and legally wrong. It violates the fundamental
principle that all life is sacred and should be protected. Euthanasia is not a solution to the problems
of pain and suffering. Instead, it is a way of avoiding the issue and denying the individual the right to
live.

Proof:

There are several reasons why I believe that euthanasia is wrong. First, euthanasia undermines the
value of human life. It suggests that some lives are more valuable than others and that the decision
to end a life can be made by others. This is a dangerous precedent that could lead to the abuse of
the practice.

Second, euthanasia is often performed without the consent of the individual. This is particularly true
in cases where the individual is unable to make their wishes known. In these situations, euthanasia
becomes a decision made by others, rather than the individual themselves. This violates the
principle of autonomy, which states that individuals have the right to make their own decisions
about their lives.

Third, euthanasia has the potential to be abused. In some cases, it may be performed for reasons
other than alleviating suffering. This could include financial or emotional pressure on the individual
or their family. The potential for abuse makes the legalization of euthanasia a dangerous
proposition.

Refutation:
Those who support euthanasia argue that it is a humane way to end the suffering of a person or
animal. They claim that it respects the individual’s right to die with dignity and that it is a
compassionate act. While these arguments may have some merit, they do not address the ethical,
moral, and legal implications of euthanasia. The right to die with dignity should not be conflated
with the right to die. Euthanasia undermines the value of human life and opens the door to potential
abuses.

Conclusion:

As a fourth-year high school student, I believe that euthanasia is morally, ethically, and legally
wrong. While it may seem like a compassionate solution to the problems of pain and suffering, it
violates the fundamental principle that all life is sacred and should be protected. Euthanasia has the
potential to be abused and should not be legalized. Instead, we should focus on providing
compassionate care and support for those who are suffering. The right to die with dignity should be
respected, but it should not be conflated with the right to die. As young people, we have a
responsibility to speak out against practices that violate the principles of compassion and respect for
life.

Introduction:

Euthanasia, also known as mercy killing, is a highly controversial issue that has been the subject of
intense debate for many years. The practice of euthanasia involves deliberately ending the life of a
person or animal to alleviate their suffering. While some argue that it provides a compassionate
solution to the problem of pain and suffering, others oppose it as a violation of the sanctity of life. As
a concerned citizen, I believe it is important to understand both sides of the argument to come to a
reasoned and informed position on this complex issue.

Summary of Opposing Views:

Opponents of euthanasia argue that it undermines the value of human life and has the potential to
be abused. They argue that it is unethical to intentionally end a life, and that palliative care and pain
management can provide an alternative to euthanasia. On the other hand, proponents of euthanasia
argue that it provides a humane way to end the suffering of a person or animal. They argue that it
respects the individual’s right to die with dignity and that it is a compassionate act.

Statement of Understanding:

I understand the concerns of those who oppose euthanasia. The idea of intentionally ending a life is
a difficult one, and there is a risk that the practice could be abused. At the same time, I also
understand the concerns of those who support euthanasia. It is a difficult decision to make when
someone is suffering greatly, and there are cases where palliative care and pain management may
not be enough.
Statement of Your Position:

As a concerned citizen, I believe that euthanasia should be legal, but only under strict conditions. It
should be restricted to cases where an individual is suffering from a terminal illness or a condition
that causes unbearable pain and cannot be treated effectively through other means. The decision to
undergo euthanasia should be made by the individual, or in cases where the individual is unable to
make the decision, their next of kin.

Statement of Context:

It is important to note that euthanasia is already legal in some countries, such as Belgium, the
Netherlands, and Canada, with strict regulations in place to ensure that it is only performed under
certain conditions. In the United States, only a handful of states have legalized euthanasia, with strict
regulations in place to ensure that it is only performed under certain conditions.

Statement of Benefits:

Legalizing euthanasia would provide a compassionate solution for individuals who are suffering
greatly and have no hope of recovery. It would also respect an individual’s right to die with dignity
and autonomy, and allow them to avoid prolonged suffering. With strict regulations in place, the risk
of abuse can be minimized and the practice can be closely monitored to ensure that it is only
performed in appropriate cases.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the issue of euthanasia is a complex one with valid arguments on both sides. As a
concerned citizen, I believe that legalizing euthanasia under strict conditions is a compassionate
solution for those who are suffering greatly and have no hope of recovery. With strict regulations in
place, the risk of abuse can be minimized and the practice can be closely monitored to ensure that it
is only performed in appropriate cases