📋 Group Discussion (GD) Analysis Guide: Euthanasia – Right or Wrong?

🌐 Introduction to Euthanasia

Opening Context: Euthanasia, often termed “mercy killing,” raises profound ethical, legal, and philosophical questions globally. It involves intentionally ending a life to relieve suffering, sparking debates on individual autonomy, medical ethics, and societal values. For aspiring B-school students, understanding this debate is crucial as it touches on decision-making, ethics, and policy formulation.

Topic Background: The concept of euthanasia dates back to ancient civilizations where the act was both condoned and condemned depending on cultural and philosophical outlooks. In modern times, debates intensified post-WWII due to medical advancements prolonging life. Legal recognition varies globally, with some countries like the Netherlands legalizing it under strict regulations, while others prohibit it entirely.

📊 Quick Facts and Key Statistics

🤝 Stakeholders and Their Roles

• 👥 Patients and Families: Central to the decision-making, seeking relief from suffering.
• 🩺 Medical Professionals: Weighing ethical codes against patient autonomy.
• 🏛️ Governments and Legislators: Setting legal boundaries and ensuring safeguards.
• ⛪ Ethical and Religious Bodies: Influencing societal norms and moral viewpoints.

🏆 Achievements and Challenges

✨ Achievements:

• 🤝 Autonomy Respect: In countries permitting euthanasia, it empowers individuals.
• 📢 Medical Transparency: Promotes open discussions about end-of-life care.
• 🌐 Global Advocacy: The debate has spurred broader discussions on palliative care.

⚠️ Challenges:

• ❓ Ethical Concerns: Slippery slope fears about misuse.
• 💭 Psychological Pressure: Impact on patients and doctors.
• 🌍 Global Disparities: Inconsistent policies across regions.

🌍 Global Comparisons

The Netherlands: Euthanasia accounts for 4% of deaths annually, with strict protocols.
India: Passive euthanasia legalized in 2018 (Supreme Court ruling in the Aruna Shanbaug case).

Case Studies:
– Aruna Shanbaug (India): Led to the legalizing of passive euthanasia.
– Brittany Maynard (USA): A public face of the right-to-die movement.

💬 Structured Arguments for Discussion

• ✅ Supporting Stance: “Euthanasia empowers individuals to die with dignity and alleviates needless suffering.”
• ❌ Opposing Stance: “The legalization risks exploitation and undermines the sanctity of life.”
• ⚖️ Balanced Perspective: “While euthanasia respects autonomy, safeguards are essential to prevent misuse.”

📖 Effective Discussion Approaches

• 💡 Opening Approaches:
  • 🤔 “Should the sanctity of life outweigh individual autonomy in terminal cases?”
  • 📊 “With over 60% global support, euthanasia’s acceptance is growing, but ethical concerns persist.”
• 📌 Counter-Argument Handling:
  Highlight cases of successful regulation to mitigate fears of misuse.
  Emphasize the role of societal consensus in addressing ethical divides.

🔍 Strategic Analysis of Strengths and Weaknesses

🏫 Connecting with B-School Applications

Real-World Applications:
– Policy formulation in health care.
– Ethical decision-making frameworks in leadership roles.

📄 Sample Interview Questions:

• 💬 “Do you believe euthanasia aligns with corporate social responsibility principles?”
• 💡 “How would you balance empathy with ethics in decision-making?”

Insights for B-School Students:
– Explore ethical leadership.
– Study international policy implications.