Use the framework presented in Stone’s Policy Paradox and the expertise you have developed in your previous assignments (position paper, discussion boards, web exploration, and readings) to consider your policy issue, understand the politics surrounding it, analyze and critique the arguments on both (or all) sides of the issue, and finally, argue persuasively for what you believe. In other words, in your analysis, show how both the main proponents and opponents of the issue think, what they believe, and what their strategies are. By doing this you will in effect deconstruct both positions—yours and the others—to then argue for what you believe. Your aim is to produce a clear, compelling evidence-based report that could be presented to legislators or policy organizations. Ground your paper in policy research, published analyses, and other credible sources.
Include the following in your analysis:
Introduction (1 page maximum)
Provide a brief introduction, including the proper citation of the legislation and its sponsors
Describe how the issue evolved (context, legislation, political history, persons and groups involved)
Describe your interest in the issue (briefly)
Position Statement (2 pages maximum)
Clearly state your position on the issue
Specify who or what organizations or groups support your position
Specify who or what organizations or groups oppose your position
Analysis (3 pages maximum)
Discuss, from the perspective of your position and those in opposition, how the following are used in your policy:
Goals
Equity, efficiency, security, liberty as applicable
Problems
Symbols, numbers, causes, interests, decisions as applicable
Solutions
Inducements, rules, facts, rights, power as applicable
Conclusion and Recommendations (1 page maximum)
Persuasively present your conclusion as to the most appropriate or best solution and your recommendations for legislators. State the intended outcomes of your recommendations.
Advocacy Plan (1 page maximum)
Describe the strategies you would use to advocate for this policy.
Use the most recent APA style, include a title page and abstract. Include supporting evidence from the literature or credible websites in each of the above listed areas. The paper should be absolutely no more than 8 pages in length excluding references, title page and abstract. Two points will be deducted for every page over the maximum.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
The policy issue that I have chosen to analyze in this paper is the legalization of assisted suicide. This issue has been evolving over the years with different states in the US proposing different legislation regarding the issue. The proponents and opponents of the issue have distinct positions on the matter that are deeply rooted in ethical, moral, and religious beliefs. As a medical professor, I am interested in this issue because of its impact on healthcare professionals and their patients. This paper will provide a comprehensive analysis of the policy issue, including its evolution, the positions of different organizations and groups, and strategies that can be employed to advocate for the issue.
Position Statement:
I am in support of the legalization of assisted suicide in the US. My position is supported by organizations such as the Death with Dignity National Center and Compassion & Choices. These organizations believe in the right of patients to have autonomy over their lives and decisions, especially during times of terminal illnesses. On the other hand, opponents of the issue, such as the Catholic Church and the American Medical Association, believe that assisted suicide is morally wrong and goes against the medical profession’s values.
Analysis:
Goals:
The goals of the assisted suicide policy are to provide patients with the option of choosing a dignified death and reducing end-of-life suffering. Supporters of assisted suicide argue that it ensures patient autonomy and respects personal choices. However, opponents argue that it could lead to potential abuse and disregard for the sanctity of human life.
Equity, Efficiency, Security, Liberty:
The legalization of assisted suicide creates equity by ensuring that patients have the right to choose how they want to die. However, opponents argue that this policy could discriminate against vulnerable populations such as the disabled, elderly, and indigent. The policy also increases efficiency by reducing the financial burden on families and the healthcare system. Supporters argue that it offers security by providing a peaceful and humane way for patients with terminal illnesses to end their suffering. Opponents, however, argue that it could put vulnerable populations at risk of abuse and neglect. The policy promotes liberty by allowing patients to exercise their rights to die with dignity.
Problems:
The assisted suicide policy has raised ethical, moral, religious, and legal concerns. It has been argued that it could lead to potential abuse, coercion, and discrimination. The policy could also lead to a slippery slope where patients that are not terminally ill or sick could be eligible for euthanasia. Opponents argue that the policy could lead to distrust between patients and healthcare professionals and promote the idea that death is a desirable option.
Symbols, Numbers, Causes, Interests, Decisions:
The assisted suicide policy is symbolic of individual rights and autonomy over one’s life. The policy could lead to a reduction in healthcare utilization and cost, thus creating a financial interest for healthcare organizations. The policy’s causes are rooted in the idea of respecting personal choices and relieving end-of-life suffering. The interests of healthcare professionals are also a factor, as some may feel that it goes against the medical profession’s values. The decision-making process regarding assisted suicide is complex, and different factors such as religion, culture, and personal beliefs come into play.
Solutions:
The policy’s solution would involve creating legislation that balances the needs of patients and healthcare professionals. This can be achieved by creating regulations and guidelines that ensure that patients who choose assisted suicide are doing so voluntarily, while also ensuring that vulnerable populations are protected. The solution would require transparency throughout the process, including assessments, consultations, and eligibility criteria. The policy should be designed to prevent coercion or abuse and promote education and training for healthcare professionals.
Conclusion and Recommendations:
In light of the analysis above, I recommend the legalization of assisted suicide while ensuring that regulations and guidelines are put in place to protect vulnerable populations, prevent abuse, and promote transparency. The policy should provide a peaceful and humane option for patients with terminal illnesses while respecting the values and beliefs of healthcare professionals.
Advocacy Plan:
To advocate for the policy, I would first ensure that I have a deep understanding of the issue and its different positions. I would then engage with legislators and policy organizations to discuss the benefits of assisted suicide and the regulations that should be put in place to protect patients and healthcare professionals. I would also engage with community organizations, including religious groups, to address their concerns and promote education and training on the issue. Social media can also be used to create awareness and promote conversations around assisted suicide.
