Find a recent online article with a especially controversial or polarizing topic.
Recent = no older than 21 days from when you are posting your response to this prompt. The date stamp of your response will be used for this.
Select the article from one of the following sources:
- Reuters: https://www.reuters.com/
- NPR News: https://www.npr.org/sections/news/
- BBC News: https://www.bbc.com/news
Provide the following, and number your responses:
1. Article Title
2. Article Date
3. Link/URL
4. Brief summary of what the article is about (one or two sentences at most).
5. Now this is the challenging part. Your job is to describe the debate around this topic.
5a) What are the different views that are expressed, and how are they different?
5b) Next, use the principles of Rogerian argument to create a hypothetical website. Describe in your own words what the specific features would be most effective.
5c) How would this hypothetical website present the topic?
5d) How would this website speak to the stakeholders in this debate who hold opposing viewpoints?
(Minimum Word Count: 150-300 words total)
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction: As a medical professor, it is important to understand how controversial and polarizing topics can impact the medical field. In order to prepare students for such debates, I have found an online article that discusses a controversial topic related to healthcare.
1. Article Title: “Abortion Rights Groups Sue Texas Governor Over COVID-19 Order”
2. Article Date: April 18, 2020
3. Link/URL: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-abortion-texas/abortion-rights-groups-sue-texas-governor-over-covid-19-order-idUSKBN2210OS
4. Brief summary: The article discusses the recent controversy surrounding abortion access in Texas during the COVID-19 pandemic. Governor Greg Abbott issued an executive order that classified abortion as a non-essential medical procedure and required clinics to cease performing them. Abortion rights groups have sued the governor, arguing that this order is unconstitutional and puts undue burden on women seeking abortion services.
5. Debate description:
5a) The controversy centers around the classification of abortion as a non-essential medical procedure during the pandemic. Those in favor of the governor’s order argue that it is important to conserve medical resources and prioritize care for COVID-19 patients. They also argue that abortion is not a vital medical service and can be postponed. Those against the order argue that the classification of abortion as non-essential is politically motivated and infringes on women’s reproductive rights. They also argue that postponing abortion can have negative impacts on women’s health and lead to unsafe, illegal abortions.
5b) A hypothetical website that presents both sides of the debate could include features such as an open forum for discussion, where individuals can share their opinions and experiences regarding abortion access during the pandemic. The website could also include fact-based information about abortion services and their classification in emergency situations. Additionally, the website could highlight the importance of protecting women’s reproductive rights and access to essential medical services during the pandemic.
5c) The hypothetical website would present the topic objectively and without bias. It would provide information from both sides of the debate and encourage informed decision making. The website could also include resources for women seeking abortion services during the pandemic and provide information on how to safely access these services.
5d) The website would speak to stakeholders with opposing viewpoints by acknowledging their concerns and encouraging open dialogue. It would highlight the importance of protecting women’s health and access to safe, legal abortions, while also acknowledging the need to prioritize COVID-19 patients. The website would aim to find a common ground between the two sides of the debate and encourage collaboration to find a solution that benefits all parties involved.
In conclusion, controversial topics such as the one discussed in this article require a balanced and informative approach. As medical professors, it is our responsibility to prepare students for these debates and equip them with the skills necessary to navigate such discussions in a professional and respectful manner.
