by: Christopher
As in any other controversial topic, the mass is divided in the issue of euthanasia. This is where the pluralist model of democracy comes into play. Within the pluralist democracy there exists groups, interest groups. "An interest group is an organized body of individuals who share some political goals and try to influence public policy decisions".(1) Interest groups are represented by lobbyists, who are usually paid to be a spokesperson for that group.
Here rises a question of whether or not the existence of interest groups is a good or evil. People generally do not look favorably upon interest groups, due to the fact that they do not represent the society in it's entirety. But as James Madison put it in the Federalist 10, "Liberty is to faction what air is to fire." Here he is stating that although factions can be a negative factor in lives of others, taking away that factor would deprive all people of the freedom and liberty in pursuing their interests..
Through representation the interest groups are able to voice the ideals of individuals. One person shouting against a government policy will not likely be heard, but a mass of people with same values protesting would be recognized far more. Many groups that exists, does for this very purpose.
Through educating individuals of the ideas that hold the group together, interest groups are able to gain supporters and new members that share the same ideas or are interested in the cause. Their main weapon, for the modern times, is the Internet. Through the Internet, interest groups are able to reach millions, literally, of people in a short amount of time. Those who are interested in the issue are most likely to drop by the web sights of these groups.
Of the interest groups that educate the public, there is a group known as ERGO!(Euthanasia Research & Guidance Organization). The president of ERGO! is Derek Humphry, the founder in 1980 of the original Hemlock Society, which he built into a national organization. ERGO! is a non profit educational corporation created to improve the quality of background research of physician-assisted dying for persons who are terminally or hopelessly ill and wish to end their suffering. They are willing to counsel and aid in the decision making of any competent adults who are at the end-stage of a terminal illness.
One of the main group educating the public in the war against euthanasia is IAETF(International Anti Euthanasia Task Force). This group was formed to "meet the urgent need for individuals and organizations who oppose euthanasia to work together to: provide information on euthanasia and related issues; promote and defend the right of all persons to be treated with respect, dignity and compassion; resist attitudes, programs and policies which threaten the lives of those who are medically vulnerable." Another active group is the New York State Task Force, which is led by Mark R. Chassin, M.D., M.P.P, M.PH., Commissioner of Health, the Chairman. This group has involved itself in promoting laws that would limit the boundaries on the act of euthanasia. CURE, Ltd. is another group against euthanasia, founded in 1981, CURE is a "nationwide coalition of concerned citizens of diverse professional, political, and religious backgrounds bound together in a common cause: resolute opposition to euthanasia without compromise or exception." This group also offers important information regarding the language and aspects of euthanasia that can be difficult to interpret.
By educating the public though news letters, pamphlet, and the Internet, these various groups are able to reach those with similar ideas for support and also to invite new members who would join in the cause.
Interest groups also participate in the process of governmental decisions through directly channeling their combined energy into collective political action. With gathering of similar minded individuals, they are able to impact the decision making process of the law makers.
Through lobbying, ERGO and other right to die groups have implemented Oregon Death with Dignity Act (DWDA), which states that "An adult who is capable, is a resident of Oregon, and has been determined by the attending physician and consulting physician to be suffering from a terminal disease, and who has voluntarily expressed his or her wish to die, may make a written request for medication for the purpose of ending his or her life in a humane and dignified manner in accordance with this Act." Through constant lobbying, although not directly, ERGO was able to influence the decision making in the state of Oregon. This effected the act of DR. Kevorkian tremendously. This gave him the liberty of practicing his profession and not be liable for the acts. There are other organizations like Choice in Dying, that promote and give information regarding euthanasia to individuals that are interested.
Other sides of this issue, participating through lobbying, NYSTF was also actively involved in the case of WASHINGTON v. GLUCKSBERG. Currently involved in lobbying to turn the table on the DWDA (Death With Dignity Act) also known as Measure 16, they are constantly keeping the mass informed of the status on the issue of euthanasia.
Within the area of euthanasia, there is a distinct line between the oppositions of the general issue at hand. Those that are opposed to assisted suicide and those that are in favor of the issue. Within the ideological frame of the different parties, the conservatives would oppose this issue and the liberals would favor the issue. But unlike other issues, politicians do not readily speak of their opinion regarding this issue, because it is a such delicate one.
Interest groups help the individuals be heard by the government through lobbying. Representing
them, who would otherwise be ignored. Through collective political action, they are able to
participate within and impact the decision making process in the government. Interest groups also
seek to educate the public in order to increase their membership.