NationStates Jolt Archive


Proposal: Repeal "Legalise Euthanasia"

Andreas Potens
29-09-2005, 01:35
While 25 delegates have been very generous in their support of the resolution to repeal "Legalise Euthanasia," the Republic of Andreas Potens still seeks further support for this repeal. We are also in the beginnings of a telegram campaign, and would also take any suggestions for how to conduct one effeciently.

The text of the repeal is as follows:

Repeal "Legalise Euthanasia"
A proposal to repeal a previously passed resolution

Category: Repeal

Resolution: #43

Proposed by: Andreas Potens

Description: UN Resolution #43: Legalise Euthanasia (Category: Human Rights; Strength: Strong) shall be struck out and rendered null and void.

Argument: The United Nations,

RECALLING the resolution, “Legalise Euthanasia,” notes the following problems:

1) Most of the arguments for the resolution use blatant appeals to emotion and are therefore logically fallacious.

2) The resolution, in the penultimate paragraph, at once implies that euthanasia is the moral course of action in some circumstances and asks those who find suicide and assisting in suicide to be morally unacceptable to ignore those beliefs.

3) The language of the resolution is unclear concerning the circumstances and means of its application and fails to properly identify areas of discretion for individual nations.

4) The resolution is written in a vernacular style, with grammatical errors and questions in lieu of arguments.

Also, NOTING the very narrow margin by which this contentious resolution originally passed, 51.9% to 48.1%, the United Nations hereby repeals Resolution #43, “Legalise Euthanasia.”

Here is the text of the original resolution:

Legalise Euthanasia


A resolution to improve worldwide human and civil rights.

Category: Human Rights
Strength: Strong
Proposed by: Grande

Description: A child was sat at his mother's bedside when she was unable to breathe for herself and was under constant care. All the child knew was that the dignity of this once strong woman was slowly being drained away, hour by hour, day by day. The child's mother once told him that if she were ever in this situation, that he should do the right thing and put her out of her misery. He decided that he would obey his mother's wishes, and was jailed for 'killing' his mother.

I ask you where is the justice in this?

That someone has no right to end suffering?

I propose that euthanasia should be legalised. Everyone over a certain age or with a life-threatening illness should be given the right to decide whether, in such a situation, they want to live on for as long as possible, or die with a little dignity left intact. This would mean a legal document would be filled out by those concerned. This would ensure that it is not a medical decision, but the patient's choice.

After this document is signed, it must only be used in the situations stated.

In the case of a freak situation in which a person has no serious illness or is over a certain age, if the person cannot make the decision themselves it would be made by those closest to them on the basis of professional medical advice.

Also if the patient is in a coma, 5-10 years should be waited until those closest to them make a decision. The act also must be carried out in the most painless way possible.

Why should carers use up time on those certain to die, when this time could be spent with those with a chance of life? And for those using religion as a barrier, don't you think that whoever you believe in would rather see the person happy in paradise, rather than suffering?

Please think about this proposal carefully, and consider which path you would take if you were ever to be in this situation (God forbid)?
Again, if any of the ambassadors present have a suggestion for how to conduct an efficient telegram campaign, please do not hesitate to let us know. Thank you for your time.
Goobertopia
30-09-2005, 00:23
This does seem questionable. Doesnt the legislation also goes against the Hippocratic Oath? How can doctors be forced by the UN to kill a patient when they have sworn to preserve life. Also Goobertopia's doctor malpractice cases have had many complications since this act was passed as doctors have been reffering to it in various deaths at their hands.

Repbulic of Goobertopia Ambassador
Andreas Potens
30-09-2005, 01:16
The resolution is silent on the issue of whether doctors would be required by law to assist with any procedure/prescription, and the courts have been having a field day with this in Andreas Potens. In some regions, where the population is thin and doctors even fewer, some patients have been unable to receive assistance in ending their lives. Indeed, a case has recently come to our high court to decide if one particular doctor can be prosecuted for refusing to perscribe a leathal dose of medicine, since he is the only available doctor in the region. Which right takes precedence? The right of the doctor to refuse or the right of the person to have help in taking their own life? This is one reason why the government has pushed for a repeal of this amendment. If the repeal is unsucessful, then we will work on another resolution that would guarantee the right to refuse to aid in this process.
Discordinia
30-09-2005, 01:35
Repealing might be a good idea if only to excise flaws in a poorly worded resolution.

The Supreme Court of Discordinia has recognized the right of an individual to choose their destiny and terminate their existence when they see fit, and this Government sees no reason why similar rights should not be recognized by the NSUN.

That said, the rights of concientiously objecting medical professionals to refuse to perform euthanasia procedures should also be recognized, and none should be required to perform such procedures against their moral/spiritual/religious beliefs.

Ergo, it would be inappropriate for the SNUN to "legalize" or require anything of the sort. Rather, the SNUN should quite simply recognize both conflicting rights. To rectify the possible problem, the Discordinian Ministry of Existence will be installing at least one Suicide Booth in every city, township and village.
Our Department of Know-How has been assigned the important (take that, fishyguy) task of designing the booths so as to prevent their use for homicidal purposes.
Compadria
30-09-2005, 14:48
Repeal "Legalise Euthanasia"
A proposal to repeal a previously passed resolution

Category: Repeal

Resolution: #43

Proposed by: Andreas Potens

Description: UN Resolution #43: Legalise Euthanasia (Category: Human Rights; Strength: Strong) shall be struck out and rendered null and void.

Argument: The United Nations,

RECALLING the resolution, “Legalise Euthanasia,” notes the following problems:

1) Most of the arguments for the resolution use blatant appeals to emotion and are therefore logically fallacious.

2) The resolution, in the penultimate paragraph, at once implies that euthanasia is the moral course of action in some circumstances and asks those who find suicide and assisting in suicide to be morally unacceptable to ignore those beliefs.

3) The language of the resolution is unclear concerning the circumstances and means of its application and fails to properly identify areas of discretion for individual nations.

4) The resolution is written in a vernacular style, with grammatical errors and questions in lieu of arguments.

Also, NOTING the very narrow margin by which this contentious resolution originally passed, 51.9% to 48.1%, the United Nations hereby repeals Resolution #43, “Legalise Euthanasia.”

The fact is that Euthanasia is a tragic choice, yet for many it is the best course (in their opinion) to follow in their circumstances. We note in reply to your points that:

1). Emotion is not fallacious, especially in such an emotive issue.

2). One's moral beliefs may not be the same as others and we should try and be as non-judgmental and morally neutral as possible, leaving the decision to the individual to the greatest extent possible.

We agree to a certain degree with point 3 and regard point 4 as superfluous.

Leonard Otterby
Ambassador for the Republic of Compadria to the U.N.

Long live Euthnasia-Permitting Compadria!
Andreas Potens
30-09-2005, 16:35
Well, the moment is passed, which is a bit surprising. It said that voting would end today, but when I got up this morning it was already gone. I thought I'd have through today but I guess I was wrong. Now I can't even contact those delegates who were so helpful with their approvals. Anyone know how many it reached? I'd be surprised if it was over 60.