Research Sources

Research Question:
Is euthanasia ever an appropriate treatment option?

Pavlat, Eric. "Pulling the Plug." Crisis Magazine Apr 2006: 12-18. SIRS Researcher. SIRS Knowledge Source. Edina High School. 6 Dec 2008 http://www.sirs.com

Eric Pavlat is a convert from pro-choice agnosticism and is a board member for Democrats for Life of Maryland, Inc. In this article, Pavlat discusses the misconceptions of euthanasia and what you should know about the issue. He says that patients often do not have access to pain relief, so hospitals should support patients' rights. Pavlat also explains that many pain problems can be relieved or reduced. He also says that assisted suicide is not comfort care, because in the end the patient is not comfortable, they are dead. Pavlat realizes euthanasia is a very emotional and controversial topic that people have differing views on and says that people should know the whole issue before they do anything about the subject. If a patient requests to die, Pavlat explains that they may be having the same thoughts as someone who isn't terminally ill but is depressed, so regardless of one's physical condition, they still may have thoughts of suicide. Finally, he says that if we have better pain management for patients, euthanasia would not be necessary and no one would need the option.

Stolinsky, David. "Assisted Suicide of the Medical Profession." 20 Mar 2006 6 Dec 2008 .

David Stolinsky is a doctor who writes on political and social issues. He says that killing people is not what doctors are meant to do, they are meant to save lives. Stolinsky explains that an article published in 1920 said that killing was a "healing treatment" for people who were supposedly "unworthy" of life. He also explains that some believe starving and dehydrating people is "peaceful," while sedating people is "barbaric." If killing and healing are put together, he says that a doctor's loyalty goes to the state instead of the patient.