| Story:
Schiavo Case Raises Medical Ethics Questions, 03/28/05
Reading Comprehension Questions: 1. How long ago did doctors remove Terri Schiavo's feeding tube?
2. Why do some doctors say that removing Schiavo's feeding tube is not a cruel act?
3. How does a feeding tube like Schiavo's work?
4. Why did Schiavo initially need the feeding tube?
5. What would happen if food or water were put in her mouth?
6. What is happening to Terri Schiavo, according to her parents?
7. What will happen to Schiavo if the tube is not replaced?
Discussion Activity (more research might be needed): 1. Are Terri Schiavo's parents right in claiming that their daughter is being starved to death in a cruel fashion? Does it matter that she may not be able to feel hunger? Is it still starvation? 2. What would you want done in the event you were in a similar state to Terri Schiavo? Who would you want making the decision about whether to keep you alive or not? 3. Consider what Dr. Kathleen Jamieson said about the language being used by both sides of the Schiavo case? Have you noticed language playing to your emotions? Write a 500-800 word essay on any of these topics providing clear examples. Send your completed editorial to NewsHour Extra [extra@newshour.org]. Exceptional essays might be published on our Web site. |