Lawmakers in Belgium have passed a bill that will allow euthanasia for terminally ill children. The bill was passed with 86 votes for the motion, 44 against, and 12 abstentions. It becomes the first nation to allow euthanasia for children. Belgium's controversial law applies only to terminally ill children who are in great pain. There are several conditions that must be met for any act of euthanasia to take place. The child must be in full possession of his/her mental skills and request the act themselves. It requires an adult's consent and the written approval of a medical team, who must submit a psychological report. In addition, there must be no treatment available that would alleviate the child's suffering and distress.
The law has created a storm of opposition worldwide. Opponents called it immoral and said children were not mature enough to make such a decision. One man present at the vote stood up and screamed "murderers" at the lawmakers. The Christian Science Monitor makes the case that: "In the 21st century, when parents the world over worry that children are growing up too quickly, Belgium is poised to hand kids one more responsibility." It adds that: "Allowing children, who aren't even old enough to drive or vote, to decide when it's time to die is one step too far." Last week, 160 Belgian paediatricians claimed the law was unnecessary because modern medicine could alleviate pain.
Read more:http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com/1402/140216-euthanasia.html#ixzz2tSjgOGUP
A.VOCABULARY
1.euthanasia--the act of killing someone who is very ill or very old so that they do not suffer any more
2. motion--proposal
3.abstention--against a proposal or motion
4.possession-- state of being completely under the influence of an idea or emotion
5.alleviate--make suffering less severe,lessen
6.opposition--in contrast,against
7.poised--ready to do a particular thing at any moment
B.COMPREHENSION
1.How many lawmakers voted to pass the bill?
2.How many people abstained in the vote?
3.What must a child be in full possession of to request euthanasia?
4.Who has to provide their consent to a child's request for euthanasia?
5.What must there be a lack of before a euthanasia request is granted?
6.What did opponents of the law call it?
7.What did opponents say children lacked?
8.What did a man at the vote accuse the lawmakers of being?
9.What did a newspaper say parents are worried about?
10.What kind of doctors said the law was unnecessary?
C. DISCUSSION ACTIVITY
1.OLD ENOUGH:When are children old enough to do these things?
Age?
|
Why?
| |
| Vote | ||
| Marry | ||
| Smoke | ||
| Get a job | ||
| Have a credit card | ||
| Have a mobile phone |
2.RESPONSIBILITIES:What are children's biggest responsibilities? Rank these with your partner. Put the biggest at the top.
| • to pass exams • to have fun • to pass on their culture • to look after old parents | • to protect the environment • to get a good job • to help people in need • to follow rules |
D. CONVERSATION QUESTIONS
a)What did you think when you read the headline?Do you agree about Euthanasia?
b)What springs to mind when you hear the word 'euthanasia'?
c)What do you think of Belgium's new law?
d)Do you think more countries will follow suit?
e)What do you understand by the terms 'mercy killing' and 'assisted suicide'?
f)Are the conditions strict enough?
g)Do people have the right to choose when to die?
h)Do you know any famous cases of euthanasia?
i)Is euthanasia a compassionate way for the dying to die?Is euthanasia immoral?
j)Could euthanasia ever be allowed in your country?
k)Do you understand why people choose euthanasia to end their life?
l) What are the arguments for and against euthanasia?
m)Why do lawmakers think children can be mature enough to decide to die?
