For many people, it is of paramount importance that life is preserved in every sense of the word. But for terminally ill patients, life seems hopeless to the point where death becomes their only way out of suffering and excruciating pain. This paper identifies two terminally ill patients’ cases and their pursuit to fight for their right-to-die. To identify their cases, this paper examines literature on physician assisted suicide and active euthanasia coupled with the news articles.
This examination indicates that there are vast distinctions between the two methods terminally patients can use to die. These methods, arguments for and against, and the media representation of both patients’ cases are the central platforms of this paper. I hypothesized that the media portrayal of terminally ill patients’ right to physician assisted suicide or voluntary active euthanasia is positive and this portrayal is geared towards support for those patients’ right-to-die. This hypothesis hinges on media articles on Brittany Maynard and Grace Sung Eun Lee cases as portrayed in online news sources.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Literature Review
- Physician Assisted Suicide and Voluntary Active Euthanasia
- Proposing Perspectives
- Opposing Perspectives
- Research Question
- Research Methodology
- Findings
- Discussion/Conclusion
- References
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to analyze the media portrayal of terminally ill patients' rights to die, focusing on the cases of Brittany Maynard and Grace Sung Eun Lee. It examines the distinctions between physician-assisted suicide (PAS) and voluntary active euthanasia (VAE), exploring arguments for and against these practices. The study also incorporates findings from an opinion questionnaire to understand public perception.
- Media representation of terminally ill patients' right-to-die stories.
- Distinction between physician-assisted suicide (PAS) and voluntary active euthanasia (VAE).
- Arguments for and against PAS and VAE.
- Public opinion on PAS and VAE.
- Case studies of Brittany Maynard and Grace Sung Eun Lee.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Introduction: This chapter introduces the topic of terminally ill patients' right-to-die, highlighting the ongoing debate surrounding physician-assisted suicide (PAS) and voluntary active euthanasia (VAE). It emphasizes the media's role in shaping public opinion on this controversial issue and outlines the paper's methodology, which includes analyzing media articles and conducting a social survey. The chapter also briefly discusses the controversial case of Dr. Jack Kevorkian and provides a definition of a terminally ill patient, contrasting the experiences of Brittany Maynard and Grace Lee to illustrate the diverse circumstances surrounding end-of-life decisions. The chapter concludes by posing the critical question of the media's influence in shaping public understanding and acceptance of PAS and VAE.
Literature Review: This chapter delves into existing literature on physician-assisted suicide (PAS) and voluntary active euthanasia (VAE), differentiating between the two methods and outlining their historical context. It explores legal precedents in the United States, such as the Patient Self-Determination Act and the Oregon Death with Dignity Act, and examines similar legislation in other countries like Australia. The chapter also analyzes differing perspectives on assisted death, drawing attention to the significant legal and ethical implications of these practices. The review uses relevant figures and statistics to illustrate the prevalence and legal status of PAS and VAE globally, illustrating the complexities and ongoing controversies surrounding end-of-life choices.
Findings: This chapter would present the results of the opinion questionnaire, providing a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the data collected. It would analyze public attitudes toward PAS and VAE, exploring factors that influence opinions and identifying correlations between demographics and viewpoints. Detailed explanation of statistical findings and trends observed regarding support for PAS and VAE would be included. The connection between the findings and existing literature reviewed previously is crucial in this section, enhancing overall insight into the public understanding and reception of this complex issue.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Terminally ill patient, physician-assisted suicide, voluntary active euthanasia, media representation, right-to-die, public opinion, case studies, ethics, legal aspects.
Frequently Asked Questions: Media Portrayal of Terminally Ill Patients' Right to Die
What is the main topic of this paper?
This paper analyzes the media's portrayal of terminally ill patients' rights to die, focusing on the cases of Brittany Maynard and Grace Sung Eun Lee. It examines the differences between physician-assisted suicide (PAS) and voluntary active euthanasia (VAE), exploring arguments for and against these practices, and incorporates findings from a public opinion questionnaire.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
The key themes include media representation of right-to-die stories, the distinction between PAS and VAE, arguments for and against these practices, public opinion on PAS and VAE, and case studies of Brittany Maynard and Grace Sung Eun Lee.
What is included in the Table of Contents?
The table of contents covers an abstract, introduction, literature review (including sections on PAS/VAE perspectives), research question, research methodology, findings, discussion/conclusion, and references.
What is the purpose of the literature review chapter?
The literature review delves into existing research on PAS and VAE, differentiating between the two, outlining their historical context, exploring legal precedents (like the Patient Self-Determination Act and Oregon Death with Dignity Act), analyzing differing perspectives, and presenting relevant statistics on the prevalence and legal status globally.
What does the chapter on findings entail?
The findings chapter presents the results of a public opinion questionnaire, offering a quantitative and qualitative analysis of public attitudes toward PAS and VAE. It explores factors influencing opinions, identifies correlations between demographics and viewpoints, and connects these findings to the existing literature.
What are the chapter summaries about?
The chapter summaries provide a concise overview of each chapter's content, including the introduction of the topic, the in-depth literature review, the presentation and analysis of the findings from the opinion questionnaire, and the overall conclusions drawn from the research.
What keywords are associated with this research?
Keywords include terminally ill patient, physician-assisted suicide, voluntary active euthanasia, media representation, right-to-die, public opinion, case studies, ethics, and legal aspects.
What is the methodology used in this research?
The methodology involves analyzing media articles and conducting a social survey (opinion questionnaire) to understand public perception of PAS and VAE.
How does the paper address the distinction between PAS and VAE?
The paper clearly differentiates between physician-assisted suicide (PAS) and voluntary active euthanasia (VAE), exploring both practices within the context of legal and ethical considerations, public opinion, and relevant case studies.
What role does the media play in this research?
The research focuses on the media's role in shaping public opinion on PAS and VAE by analyzing how these sensitive topics are portrayed and the potential impact on public understanding and acceptance.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Asheida Charles (Autor:in), 2014, Media Portrayal of Terminally Ill Patients' Right to Die, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/311256
