7/28/2019 Should the State Intervene in Matters of Life and Death

1/7

A General Paper Essay Outline

7/28/2019 Should the State Intervene in Matters of Life and Death

2/7

The Universal Declaration of Human Rightswas adoptedby members of the United Nations in 1948 to show their

in-principle support for the preservation of thefundamental rights of people. However, because statesare not bound to uphold the articles of the Declaration totheir fullest extent, some of these rights have beencurtailed to varying degrees, including the rights

pertaining to matters of life and death. Governmentsdo so byenacting laws, setting regulations or providingincentives that either directly or indirectly affect thesematters such as anti-abortion, anti-euthanasia or pro-choice legislation, population control policies and thedeath penalty. While governments could argue thatthey have just cause for their actions, the extent of theirintervention should not lead to a complete usurpation ofthe individuals basic freedom.

7/28/2019 Should the State Intervene in Matters of Life and Death

3/7

If the state were to be consistent with theUN Declaration, then it should interveneinsofar that its decisions reflect an

impassioned pro-life position.Nobel Peace Laureate Sean Macbride saidthat by extending the understanding of the

Declaration, then one could propose theright to refuse to kill as an article thatwould be compatible to the others

7/28/2019 Should the State Intervene in Matters of Life and Death

4/7

States that oppose this might actually deemthis the soft approach that dulls their abilityto use their full authority when they need it

7/28/2019 Should the State Intervene in Matters of Life and Death

5/7

The argument above opens up a humanrights minefield because of the potential forthe states abuse of power. How should the

state draw the line ? Here is one possibleanswer : the state should preserve life, but inso doing, if it has to kill in order to save the

lives of many, then it should go ahead anddo so.

7/28/2019 Should the State Intervene in Matters of Life and Death

6/7

On the other hand, one couldargue that there are other means

that states should applytoapproach the desired effect,

without resorting to an

encroachment of the rights ofindividuals

7/28/2019 Should the State Intervene in Matters of Life and Death

7/7

The state has a duty to the people, but it

also cannot use this duty as a pretext toconsciously limit the opportunity for life.While the state has to take care of the

greater good, the state should also be heldto a higher standard, beyond just the abilityto control the masses and maintain order

using Machiavellian means. I agree withstate intervention as long as it isunderpinned by the veneration of Life.