Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement

4th Debate
Physician-assisted Suicide (PAS)
Among the distinctive and enduring values that sets the United States apart
from other countries are rugged individualism and the right to pursue
happiness. In our democracy, citizens are allowed to make decisions for
themselves and elect representatives to enact laws that facilitate such
decision-making. One growing area of concern in America is the right to
terminate one’s own life in the face of terminal illness.

As we have discussed previously, Americans are very comfortable making

demands to improve the quality of their lives. These demands include more
choices and options for treatment, venues of care, the providers of care and
paying for the care they receive. Within the realm of health care decision-
making we have laws that allow individuals to make decisions about the type,
scope and duration of health care they receive should they become incapable
of expressing their wishes. These self-determination laws permit patients to
state their desires and wishes in writing and also allow individuals to
designate someone to speak on their behalf and make decisions about the
health care they receive when they are unable to do so.

When it comes to decisions to end one’s life to avoid pain and suffering,
Americans appear to be more comfortable with making such decisions for
themselves than the lawmakers they have elected to enact legislation along
that line. According to Wikipedia, “A 2017 poll by Gallup displayed that a solid
majority of Americans, with 73 percent in favor, support laws allowing
patients to seek the assistance of a physician in ending their life. [4]
Nevertheless, assisted suicide remains illegal in a majority of states across the
nation.” (Retrieved from
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assisted_suicide_in_the_United_States,
November 6, 2019).
 HPEX 300, 3rd Debate: Physician-assisted Suicide (PAS)
For this debate, consider the following scenario.

The Governor of a state without a PAS law has empaneled a blue ribbon
committee consisting of health care professionals, lawmakers and
citizens to conduct town hall meetings throughout the state to determine
the will of state citizens with regard to a PAS law. The Governor would
like to sign legislation enacting a PAS law before her term ends next year.
Your group will be attending one of these town hall meetings and has
prepared a statement for the committee.

Your group’s task is to prepare a statement consistent with the group’s

position (Pro or Con) for this debate. The following key points should be
incorporated in your group’s statement.

 Self-determination and quality of health care at the end of life

 Physician Duty to Treat, Patient Satisfaction with Health Care and the end
of life

 Ethics and Individual Choice in Health Care at the end of life

 Role of the Government in Health Care

Conceptualizing the Iron Triangle of Health Care might prove to be useful as

your group prepares its statement.
Cost Containment

PAS
Access Quality