Arguments of the Disability Rights Movement Towards End of Life

1, Briefly describe an argument in favor of the Death With Dignity Act. State the premises and the conclusion and, if possible, identify the argument form. (See Argument Tool

Actions and Reading Outline ToolActions ). You can use arguments on the Death with Dignity website (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. or Compassion and Choices website  (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.as a guide. State an objection to that argument and consider how defenders of the argument might respond. The argument should incorporate a moral framework or principle. Make a connection with a moral framework, Principle of Bioethics, or perspective

2, Please answer both parts of the question.

Consider your own body or the body of someone you know – its strengths and challenges. Describe a scenario in which that body could be considered “disabled.” We are especially interested in “hidden” disabilities – those that cannot be seen, or are not apparent in everyday situations, or bodies that are not usually considered “disabled.” What would a medical model solution to this "disability" be? A social model solution? Which do you prefer? Why?

I’ll start: I have severe motion sickness that leads to debilitating headaches. This motion sickness comes on in cars, elevators, dancing, or turning my head too fast, or even watching people get on the bus. I manage my environment very well and I very rarely experience motion sickness. I always sit in the front seat, facing forwards. I always take the stairs, even if my hotel room is on the 30^th floor (I plan extra time). I have trained myself NOT to turn around when someone calls my name. I gave up my dream of being an astronaut, or sailing on a boat. I have been very successful at adjusting.

However, I cannot use iPhones very well (too much motion on the screen), and 3-D movies are out of the question. What will the future bring? It is possible that within 50 years, touch screens and 3-D images will be part of our daily lives. Just as we now do our banking, socializing, shopping, and newspaper reading on the computer, in the future we might be doing these things with 3-D images that zoom around. In that case, I would be unable to participate in public life. I would need assistance with ordinary daily tasks like shopping or banking. My body – a body that was considered able-bodied in the 20^th century -- would be completely debilitated by the mid 21^st century.  

3, Source: Washington State Death with Dignity Act 2014 Report

According to the table above, 79% of Washington State residents who choose to end their life through active euthanasia in 2014 were concerned about "loss of dignity."  What do you think they meant by "dignity"? If we are all moral patients with intrinsic value, then how is it possible to "lose one's dignity"? According to Relational Autonomy, our values and ideas about ourselves are necessarily shaped by the communities in which we live. If this is correct, then what role would society play in defining "dignity" and whether it has been lost? How could society change so that terminally ill people can "maintain their dignity"?  Based on these considerations, is "loss of dignity" a good reason for thinking active euthanasia is morally acceptable? Be sure to connect your answer with Relational Autonomy, and with at least one more moral framework, principle of bioethics, or perspective.