2014届最新高考英语一轮单元复习 精品阅读理解提升文章精选一百篇八二.docVIP

2014届最新高考英语一轮单元复习 精品阅读理解提升文章精选一百篇（82） Unit 82　　Euthanasia: For and Against　　We mustnt delay any longer ... swallowing is difficult ... and breathing, too ... Those muscles are weakening ... These were the words of Dutchman van Wendel asking his doctor to help him die. Affected with a serious disease, van Wendel was no longer able to speak clearly and he knew there was no hope of recovery and that his condition was deteriorating.　　Van Wendels last three months of life before being given a final, lethal injection by his doctor were filmed and first shown on television in the Netherlands. The program has been bought by 20 countries and each time it is shown, it triggers a nationwide debate on the subject.　　The Netherlands is the only country in Europe which permits euthanasia, although it is not technically legal there. However, doctors who carry out euthanasia under strict guidelines introduced by the Dutch parliament are usually not prosecuted. The guidelines demand that the patient is experiencing extreme suffering, that there is no chance of a cure, and that the patient has made repeated requests for euthanasia. In addition, a second doctor must confirm that these criteria have been met and the death must be reported to the police department.　　Should doctors be allowed to take the lives of others? Dr. Van Oijen, Van Wendels doctor explains how he looks at the question, its not as if Im planning to kill a crowd with a machine gun. I care for people and I try to ensure they dont suffer too much.　　Many people, though, are totally against the practice. Do. Ferguson, Chairman of Healthcare Opposed to Euthanasia, says that In the vast majority of euthanasia cases, what the patient is actually asking for is something else. They may want a health profession al to open up communication for them with their family -- theres nearly always another question behind the question.　　Britain has a strong tradition of hospices -- special hospitals which care only for the dying