Sharlin Victoria Veizaga Vincentty

ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY

OUTLINE FRAMEWORK

INTRODUCTION TYPE IDEAS

HOOK Wise Quote “Dying is not a crime. Not

letting someone die with
dignity should be. ” Derek
Humpry

BACKGROUND Opposite opinions/ surprising

INFORMATION fact or statistic

THESIS STATEMENT Thus, legalizing assisted euthanasia in Bolivia aligns with the
fundamental rights of individuals, promotes empathy to ones
suffering, and prioritizes the significance of quality of life over
the extension of life.

BODY PARAGRAPH #1 The essence of human rights is rooted in the recognition of

individuals' autonomy and their right to make decisions about
TOPIC SENTENCE their own lives.
CONTROLLING IDEA

SECONDARY SENTENCES 1. People have the right to choose according to the

(IDEAS) declaration of HUman Rights
2. The UN emphasizes the inherent equality and dignity
of all individuals.
3. The right to die with dignity becomes pivotal and
imperative

CONCLUDING SENTENCE It becomes evident that the right to choose the manner and
timing of one's death is a pivotal aspect of human autonomy;
therefore, Bolivia should consider this in order to legalize
assisted euthanasia

BODY PARAGRAPH #2

TOPIC SENTENCE Empathy, a cornerstone of human compassion, urges us to

understand and alleviate the suffering of others.
CONTROLLING IDEA

SECONDARY SENTENCES 1. Empathy demands that we consider the unbearable

(IDEAS) plight of individuals
2. International human rights agreements, such as the
Pact of San José of Costa Rica, emphasize the
protection of individuals from cruel, inhuman, or
degrading treatment, which is contradicted.
 3. Legalizing assisted euthanasia could lead to more
transparent and regulated processes making Bolivia
a sensitive country to ist people

CONCLUDING SENTENCE A country that understands these suffering will progress into
taking care of individuals.

BODY PARAGRAPH #3 Furthermore, the prioritization of quality of life over the mere
extension of existence is pivotal in end-of-life care
TOPIC SENTENCE considerations.
CONTROLLING IDEA

SECONDARY SENTENCES 1. terminal illnesses often bring with them an erosion of

(IDEAS) dignity, unbearable pain, and a loss of autonomy
2. The statistical analysis provided by the National
Health Fund of Cochabamba (Caja Nacional de
Salud) sheds light on the grim reality faced by many
individuals battling terminal disease
3. The emphasis here should not merely be on
prolonging life at all costs but rather on ensuring a life
worth living.

CONCLUDING SENTENCE With these instances, it becomes compelling to allow

individuals the right to end their suffering.

CONCLUSION TYPE Reflexion

SENTENCE 1 In conclusion, the debate on legalizing assisted euthanasia

in Bolivia is deeply intertwined with fundamental human
rights, empathy toward suffering, and the value of prioritizing
quality of life.

SENTENCE 2 While cultural and religious beliefs often shape societal

perspectives, it's crucial to recognize that individual
autonomy and the right to choose one's end-of-life care
should not be overlooked.

SENTENCE 3 People with terminal illness are suffering and do not have the
capability to end their suffering.

SENTENCE 4 It is worth mentioning that it is a hard decision because it

means killing, but is it worth seeing individuals, maybe love
ones, suffering when they can't find a motive to live?

SENTENCE 5 Thus, I believe that legalizing assisted euthanasia, within a

well-regulated and compassionate framework, provides
individuals with a humane choice to end their suffering and
depart in a dignified manner.
ESSAY - WHY LEGALIZE ASSISTED EUTHANASIA IN BOLIVIA
“Dying is not a crime. Not letting someone die with dignity should be ”(Humpry, 1991).
The debate surrounding assisted euthanasia continues to spark ethical and moral deliberations
worldwide. In Bolivia, as in many other countries, this contentious topic raises fundamental
questions about individual autonomy. However, Bolivia's religion and culture does not permit an
assisted way of dying even though people are suffering. In this instance, empathy towards
suffering, and the intrinsic value of quality of life over mere prolongation of existence is not
taken into consideration. Thus, legalizing assisted euthanasia in Bolivia is pivotal because it
aligns with the fundamental rights of individuals, promotes empathy to one's suffering, and
prioritizes the significance of quality of life over the mere extension of life.

The essence of human rights is rooted in the recognition of individuals' autonomy and
their right to make decisions about their own lives.The Universal Declaration of Human Rights,
articulated by the United Nations, emphasizes the inherent equality and dignity of all individuals
(General Assembly, 1948). It is within this framework that the discussion surrounding the right to
die with dignity, especially for those struggling with terminal and incurable diseases, becomes
imperative. Also, it becomes evident that the right to choose the manner and timing of one's
death is a pivotal aspect of human autonomy; therefore, Bolivia should consider this in order to
legalize assisted euthanasia. It is known that ethical and moral concerns, often rooted in
religious or philosophical beliefs, raise questions about the implications of intentionally ending a
life, even at the request of the individual. However, if an individual's choice is not taken into
consideration then this human right is being violated. It becomes evident that the right to choose
the manner and timing of one's death is a pivotal aspect of human autonomy; consequently,
Bolivia should consider this in order to legalize assisted euthanasia.

Empathy, a cornerstone of human compassion, urges us to understand and alleviate the

suffering of others. Being empathetic demands that individuals consider the unbearable plight
that others are facing within these conditions. International human rights agreements, such as
the Pact of San José of Costa Rica in which Bolivia is also involved, emphasize the protection of
individuals from cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment (Pacto de San Jose, 1978). Thus,
forcing individuals to endure unbearable suffering against their will due to terminal illnesses may
well contradict the essence of these rights and degrade humans as indifferent to one’s suffering.
On the other hand, allowing individuals to make decisions about their own end-of-life care can
be seen as an act of compassion and kindness, respecting their autonomy and minimizing their
suffering. Additionally, proponents argue that legalizing assisted euthanasia could lead to more
transparent and regulated processes, reducing the potential for covert or unsafe practices.
Therefore, a country that understands these suffering will progress into taking care of individuals
and be seen as a sensitive choice.

Furthermore, the prioritization of quality of life over the mere extension of existence is
pivotal in end-of-life care considerations. Terminal illnesses often bring with them an erosion of
dignity, unbearable pain, and a loss of autonomy. In such circumstances, where suffering
eclipses any semblance of a meaningful life, the focus should shift toward granting individuals
the choice to end their suffering and depart in a dignified manner. In Bolivia, the statistical
analysis provided by the National Health Fund of Cochabamba (Caja Nacional de Salud) shows
the grim reality faced by 35 individuals battling terminal disease without possibilities or
availabilities to recover (Marquez, 2014). The emphasis here should not merely be on
prolonging life at all costs, but rather on ensuring a life worth living. The mention of patients in
various medical services, all struggling with conditions that lack the possibility of recovery or
treatment, emphasizes the urgency of addressing their plight. For these individuals, palliative
care might not suffice in alleviating their suffering, making the option of euthanasia a viable
means to grant them the dignified closure they seek. With these instances, It becomes
compelling to allow individuals the right to end their suffering.

In conclusion, the debate on legalizing assisted euthanasia in Bolivia is deeply

intertwined with fundamental human rights, empathy toward suffering, and the value of
prioritizing quality of life. While cultural and religious beliefs often shape societal perspectives,
it's crucial to recognize that individual autonomy and the right to choose one's end-of-life care
should not be overlooked. People with terminal illness are suffering and do not have the
capability to end their suffering. It is worth mentioning that it is a hard decision because it means
killing, but is it worth seeing individuals, maybe love ones, suffering when they can't find a
motive to live? Thus, I believe that legalizing assisted euthanasia, within a well-regulated and
compassionate framework, provides individuals with a humane choice to end their suffering and
depart in a dignified manner.

Bibliography
Humphry, D. (1991). Final Exit: The Practicalities of Self-deliverance & Assisted Suicide for the
Dying. Dell.

Marquez, G. (2014). Active ethanasia bill as an exceptional means for terminally ill patients in
Bolivia. Compás Empresarial 5(14). ISSN 2075-8952

Pacto de San José. (February 11, 1978). Convencion Americana sobre Drechos Humanos.
https://www.oas.org/dil/esp/1969_Convenci
%C3%B3n_Americana_sobre_Derechos_Humanos.pdf
United Nations (1948). Universal Declaration of Human Rights. https://www.un.org/en/about-
us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights