1. Opponents of euthanasia often argue that the dangers associated with legalizing voluntary euthanasia outweigh the benefits. In contrast to this risk-benefits approach, Gerald A. Larue places his faith in democracy, maintaining that Americans would not permit a shift from voluntary euthanasia to involuntary killing. James Thornton, however, believes that many Americans have lost moral direction, and that the slide down a “slippery slope” toward involuntary euthanasia is already underway. Which of the two viewpoints do you find most persuasive, and why?
2. Diane Coleman contends that people are more likely to condone euthanasia for the disabled. Do you believe that legalizing assisted suicide would pose a greater threat to the disabled than to other groups? Why or why not?
3.David Orentlicher outlines safeguards that he believes can prevent the abuse of physician-assisted suicide. Why does Herbert Hendin believe that such safeguards would be ineffective? Do...