2. Today we will:
• Debate the issue of euthanasia
• Learn how to write an effective
conclusion
2
3. Euthanasia
3
The act of ending someone’s life in response
to an incurable sickness or disease
There are two sides to this debate:
• Pro-life
• Pro-choice
7. In February 1990, she
went to the hospital
because she had
stopped breathing. 7
8. At the hospital, doctors say
her brain is damaged. She
can breathe by herself, but
she needs a feeding tube in
order to eat.
8
9. In 1992, Terri’s husband
Michael received 2 million
dollars (12,500,000¥) from a
Florida court for medical
mal-practice.
9
10. In 1993, Terri suffered
an illness. Michael
requested a “do not
resuscitate” order.
10
11. Terri remains in a coma
for many years. In 1998,
her husband asks
doctors to remove her
feeding tube. Terri’s
parents disagree with
Michael. They go to
court.
11
12. A judge agrees with
Terri’s husband that she
should be taken off life-
support in 2000.
12
14. Terri’s feeding tubes are
removed for the first time
in 2001. Her parents go to
court, claiming Michael has
“special interests” in
wanting his wife to die. The
tubes are put back in.
14
15. In 2002, Terri’s parents
claim there is new
medicine to help their
daughter. There is
another court hearing
to decide if it is
necessary. 15
16. In September of 2003,
Terri’s parents go on TV
to tell their story. They
want their daughter to
live. They also want
other groups to help
them.
16
17. Congress passes a law,
known as “Terri’s Law”, in
October of 2003. This makes
it legal for the governor of
Florida to make decisions
in this issue.
17
18. May 5, 2004: another
Florida judge goes to
the Supreme court
which decides that
“Terri’s Law” was
unlawful.
18
19. Terri’s parents claim
there is another
medicine they can use to
help their daughter
(2005). Florida judge
forbids them. The
feeding tube is removed
again.
19
21. March 24, 2005: Local judge
forbids the federal
government from taking
action. In a tense moment,
no one knows who is
stronger: local or federal
government.
21
25. In the US, it is illegal to
take your own life
(suicide). However, it is
legal for your family to
“pull the plug” if you
are unable to make this
decision yourself.
25
33. Bibliography
Goodnough, Abby. “Schiavo Dies, Ending Bitter Dispute over Feeding Tube”. New
York Times. 1 Apr 2005. 23 Dec 2014.
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/01/national/01schiavo.html?pagewanted=1&
mabReward=relbias:r,{&_r=0"2":"}"RI:18&module=Search. Web.
Lynne, Dianna. “Life and Death Tug of War: The Whole Terri Schiavo Story”.
World Net Daily. 24 Mar 2005. 2 Dec 2014.
http://www.wnd.com/2005/03/29516/. Web.
Haberman, Clyde. “From Private Ordeal to National Fight: The Case of Terri
Schiavo”. New York Times. 20 Apr 2014. 3 Dec 2014.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/21/us/from-private-ordeal-to-national-fight-
the-case-of-terri-
schiavo.html?module=Search&mabReward=relbias%3Ar%2C%7B%222%22%
3A%22RI%3A18%22%7D. Web.
33
34. Content
•How long is your conclusion?
•Does it have ONE opinion?
•Did you restate your thesis?
•Did you summarize your
argument?
34
35. Peer Review!!
• Trade papers with the person next to
you. Read their conclusions.
• Have they answered all the
questions?
• Was their argument convincing?
• Give them tips on what they can do
next time.
35
There are some debates on the cause of her sudden illness. Her husband claims that she was bulimic (dieted, refused food to stay thin) while her parents believe Michael tried to strangle her. In either case, her heart stopped and she wasn’t breathing for several minutes.
Your brain needs oxygen. If it does not receive it, then it “shuts down”, only unlike a computer it does not reboot. Parts of your brain can die if you do not have enough oxygen. Terri was without oxygen long enough that important parts of brain did not receive the oxygen they needed to continue living.
Michael argued that Terri was bulimic and that a doctor should have seen the signs sooner. If he had, her heart attack could have been prevented and she would not be in a coma. Half of the money paid for Terri’s medical bills.
She had a urinary tract infection.
There is no living will. This means that no one knows what Terri wants for herself in this circumstance.
This means no feeding tubes. It is a form of euthanasia. Since Terri is unable to eat by herself, this would mean the end of her life. Terri’s parents are very religious and believe this goes against their (and Terri’s) beliefs about the value of life.
By this time, Michael has already been in a relationship with another woman. He also has a child with this woman despite being “married” to Terri. If she dies, as her husband, Michael will receive all her money. On the other hand, if Terri’s parents can prove Michael is a bad person, they will get Terri’s money when she dies. Each person points fingers to shift blame.
By this point, Terri has been unresponsive for 12 years. There is a lot of debate. Finally, a Florida judge decides Terri is not conscious enough. It is determined that medicine, even if it were possible, is not worth the time to administer because Terri shows no sign of improvement.
Jeb Bush is President Bush’s younger brother. Governor Bush orders the tube to be reinserted days after it had been removed. Michael goes to the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) a strong group that protects the rights of individuals.
Explain difference between state court and supreme court
This is another attempt by the American government to stall the feeding tube removal process. Together President Bush and the entire Congress made a new law over night that made Terri the “possession” of the federal courts (and thus the responsibility of Congress) not Michael (who was using local courts)
If the federal government truly tried to push the case and take Terri away from her hospital, no one knows what would have happened. No one knew what to do or who to listen to. Feeding tube remains out.
