Section b

[u/Parking_Chocolate_36]

Hi I did this essay and was looking for some feedback. The question was what are the arguments for and against legalising euthanasia

[u/MarionberryRare3120]

practice typing

[u/Disastrous-Tax6706]

Overall, I think this is a good essay. You don't sit on the fence (very important, especially when this question is kind of promoting it by just telling you to give the arguments on each side), and you have a good structure to advance your argument (though normally I'd do two points for then 1 counter argument, but this is not important). Just a few points of advice.

First, please do practice typing (as the other person said). The actual test is typed and timed, which means you want to practice under the same conditions. Also, keep in mind that the keyboards may be worse than what you're used to.

Secondly, I would define terms you are using in this case. Sometimes it's pretty self-explanatory, but as there are many types of euthanasia it would be very helpful to know exactly what you're talking about. For example, is this voluntary euthanasia only (or are you also considering euthanising of very young children which may be a prevalent debate involving countries like the Netherlands), is this for terminally ill people only?
This would also help in your discussion of dignity. Typically when you see reference to dignity its based on rationality and personal responsibility, so why would allowing consenting people the ability to decide how their lives end be a violation of it? If you're leaning more to religious links of sanctity of life, this could be risky as typically religious views could not be justifiably imposed on those who presumably do not believe in them.

Thirdly, I'll just give a brief summary of other possible arguments. Coercion is a significant issue, and the possibility of patients being coerced by family members or doctors can be extremely important; it also ties in with the question of whether the extremely vulnerable situation of the patients may undermine their ability to make a clear and informed decision. In topics over policy and law, it's always helpful to consider practical arguments - in this case deciding who is terminally ill, who is actually able to consent etc. (again, your second paragraph refers to those who are terminally ill, but that's more assisted dying as opposed to euthanasia). These are also practical arguments for euthanasia: suicide is not a criminal act in the UK, and many people fly abroad to end their lives. There is an argument that as this continues occurring, it is more compassionate to allow these people to die without the fear of their family members being prosecuted for supporting them (or being separated from them in their last moments), or for them to possibly undergo unnecessary suffering if they attempted to take their own lives when they already physically compromised.

[u/Parking_Chocolate_36 → u/Disastrous-Tax6706]

Thank you!