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CURRENT EVENT | OCTOBER 9, 2015

Debate: Pros and Cons of Physician-Assisted Suicide

Religion Health

Since the Governor of California signed the End-Of-Life Option Act, there are now five states that allow physician-assisted suicide. Advocates believe this allows death with dignity for terminally ill people citizens. This bill is strongly opposed by the Catholic Church and disability rights groups. They want to see more safeguards to protect cases of elderly and disabled people who might not have control over their medical decisions. What do you think? Should people have the right to choose when their own life ends? Listen to this interview with an activist in support of assisted suicide and debate the pros and cons of physician-assisted suicide.

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Story Length: 4:27

Listen to the Story:

Listening Comprehension Questions

  • What was one of Malala Yousafzai’s first experiences with the dangers of religious extremism?
  • After miraculously surviving her attack, what has Malala focused her work on?
  • What is the message that Malala is trying to send to those in power?
  • What does Malala want to do in the future?
  • What are the goals of Malala’s mission to support girls?

Discussion Themes

  • What is your opinion on Malala’s message about the power of education?
  • Why do you think that ISIS might want to silence people like Malala?

Socrative users can import these questions using the following code: SOC-1234