Volume V- Issue 12

Euthanasia, either by assisted suicide or to end unbearable suffering, is a controversy typically left to politicians—and has lasted, unsolved, for decades. This conversation, however, is composed of average teenagers stating their own opinion.

Baptist is a French foreign exchange student visiting America. He considers himself an average seventeen year old boy with an affinity towards traveling, hiking, and various languages. Mollie Reisman is a twelfth grader involved in Tennis, FBLA, Key Club, Best Buddies, and Habitat for Humanity. As recreation, she enjoys shopping and her friends.

Emily is another twelfth grade high school student, who is a friend of Kim. They both, naturally, participate in Yearbook-Class, Best Buddies, and Photography-Class together. Khyre is the only attendant of this Symposium who has first-hand experience with Euthanasia; her grandmother was removed from life-support.

Mollie: Euthanasia is typically done by removal of life-support, in an attempt to be merciful. It is normally decided among close family members. I agree with it. How about you?

Baptist: I believe life is precious and that it is wrong for another human being to judge what degree of quality of life is worth living.

Emily: I understand what you’re saying, but would you want a machine to live for you?

Baptist: Perhaps not; but I don’t feel comfortable judging that for another person.

Mollie: Mostly, the family is deciding this. So, they should know what they would have wanted.

Khyre: Yeah; but what about Terry Schiavo? Most of her family was against her death and it still happened. I mean, the same thing happened to my grandmother. Her plug was pulled after only two days without our permission. She seemed fine one day, they were about to release her from the Hospital, and then – bam! – she is on life-support. Do you think that’s fair?

Baptist: Plus, you could always place “do not resuscitate” on your will. You don’t have to rely on “known wishes.”

Emily: But is it even “life” anymore if you aren’t even conscious for years? Do you want your family suffering, as they watch your dignity stripped away? Let’s be honest here; they are changing your clothes, cleaning you, brushing your teeth, and feeding you. I’d much rather be remembered as an independent individual.

Kim: I have to agree with Emily. I’m a happy person, engaging in many activities. If anything were to cripple my way of life – whether it be a wheel-chair or mental retardation – I would lose my will to live. Even with the possibility of one day awakening, I wouldn’t be happy.

Mollie: That’s a good point. What line do we draw between natural and artificial life? Should we stop using life-support systems to avoid natural death?

Baptist: How can you tell me that if I got into a serious car-accident (God forbid) and I was placed on life-support that I was supposed to die? It’s just a dangerous way of thinking.

Emily: I personally believe in an after-life and I feel it is wrong to deprive someone of that.

Khyre: Exactly. We don’t know what goes on inside their heads—if anything.

Mollie: Well, if they are thinking, it must be Hell to be encaged within your own body. And, if they cannot think, they might as well be dead.

Baptist: Yes; if you were a dancer and broke your legs, would you kill yourself?

Kate: If it was my whole life and I was forced to live without it, then I would probably consider it.

Mollie: Whelp, I think this has been a productive discussion. I am curious, though, has anyone here changed their minds since this symposium?

Mollie: My stance remains the same, as well.

Currently, Euthanasia can only be practiced in certain states with consent of both doctors and immediate family, unless a terminal illness is certain.