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Health Debate Topics for Students

716 debate topics, students. Debatable motions with arguments for and against. Open the arguments below, pick one at random, or present them full-screen.

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  1. 1.

    The government should provide universal health coverage

    For

    • America, right now, is facing a host of gigantic issues, both foreign and domestic. The issue of health coverage is one of the most prominent and important. It is, to me, a moral issue that almost 50 million American citizens (about 1/6 of the population) does not have any…
    • "Why should those who work hard, have to pay, while those who (generally speaking of course)dont work hard don't have too? What kind of incetive does that leave for people to want to work hard. All that tells people is that if they dont do their share of the work, the…

    Against

    • "What about the people who work two jobs and can barely feed their families? What about all of the factory workers being laid off? What about the millions of unemployed Americans who cannot afford health care?" -Im not saying they dont need it. They do. Ive already addressed…
    • All right. I misunderstood ur proposition. What ur proposing involves completely free healthcare for people who cannot afford healthcare. That IS socialism, not to mention entirely unfair. The majority of this country can afford healthcare. People work hard, study, go to…
  2. 2.

    There is likely no conspiracy hiding a cancer cure

    For

    • Resolved: There is likely no conspiracy to hide the cure for cancer.In other words, contrary to popular myth, it is doubtful that pharmaceutical companies (or governments for that matter) are intentionally hiding the cure for cancer from the public. The burden of proof is set…
    • My opponent doesn't seem to be aware that circumventing the character-limit in a debate is considered cheating, and has opted to post his arguments in a google document. Seeing as I can't reasonably respond to 15,000 characters worth of arguments with only 8,000 characters…

    Against

    • Skipping the last round, I broke the first rule by accident. So to make up for it I am going to skip the last round.
    • Alright, I am going to have to put this into google docs. I kinda made it a bit too long, anyways the argument is long, but it's worth it. As I gathered enough evidence. Hopefully you read through it all, even though I kinda made it really long https://docs.google.com... . Hope…
  3. 3.

    The United States would benefit from some form of universal healthcare

    For

    • First, I will argue against my opponent's remarks and then make my closing statement. ** Of course not everyone in this country is handicap. I never implied that. I just used that as an example of who cannot "take care of themselves" as you put it, without a little assistance.…
    • -- First I would like address your statement that, "As humans we should be able to take care of ourselves, and not rely on others, to take care of us". However true this may be, some humans need assistance in taking care of themselves. It is not their fault that they have…

    Against

    • Obviously I agree that people with a handicap can't take care of themselves. However, not every person in the country has a handicap. You said that people would pay through taxes for the health care for themselves, and others because it's the right thing to do. I hate to be the…
    • I disagree, the US should not implement ANY form of universal health care. In my opinion the last thing this country needs are more people that are dependent on our government. As humans we should be able to take care of ourselves, and not rely on others, to take care of us.…
  4. 4.

    Parents should not burden children with their obesity

    For

    • I said that parents shouldnt burden their children with their obesity problems just because people that are over 200 pounds and less than 6 feet tall are considered obese, doesnt mean they have problems, but those who do have problems shouldnt burden their children with their…
    • Parent obesity causes loss of parental rights Obesity is a major medical deficit in America. If the parents are extremely over weigh, then they aren't capable of taking care of the children, there aren't able to go outside and work and other things of that nature. The parents…

    Against

    • The CDC (2012) defines obese as being over 200lbs and less than 6ft tall. Most stocky men are "obese", and you are saying that their weight makes them incapable of parenting, when it doesn't even prohibit them from playing sports in most cases. Also 1/3rd of Americans are obese…
    • Rebuttle:1. Parents who suffer from obesity are right to share this burden with children, regardless of the consequences. College age [aka adult] children deserve to know the truth, and the consequences their families may face. If this changes their decisions it is their own…
  5. 5.

    Cities should be allowed to limit sugary drink sizes

    For

    • the govermt should be able to make choices about what people dirnk and eat if that food is going to harm their health. it's clear the government knows more about health and science than most peole and their job is to kkep us healthy
    • I accept.

    Against

    • Since my opponent didn't give an argument. I will just finish by saying this would be wrong for people's and business' freedom and liberty to sell and buy what they want. If someone wants to put this much sugar in there body (http://www.sugarstacks.com...) they should be…
    • The current soda policy is that a sale of many sweetened drinks in containers larger than 16 ounces,will not be allowed unless in a super-market. This is in hopes of trying to end obeisidy in the New York area. People who want to enjoy a soda can't do so if they want one over…
  6. 6.

    Governments should regulate the fast food industry

    For

    • Ops, you forfeited, your biggest worry. Well nevermind, this can happen to the best of us. Well, since you didn't state your argument, I cant deny any of your statements, so we might continue in comments. Well, relying on the food industry monopolies is bad. Some say that the…
    • G"day and thank you for joining my debate. Well an quite sensitive topic, isn't it? Why, probably because people think that every regulation that a government makes is bad. Because its everywhere, well this is quite true, but its not needed to believe that this is bad as long…

    Against

    • My apologizes on forfetting the round, school has been very demanding. I cannot deny any of those facts. My argument is that McDonald's had over 440,000 employees in 2012 which I'm sure has drastically increased. Most of the people working for them have no college education due…
    • Hello, I hope this will be a good friendly debate. I hope this will not end like all other debates, which lead to forfeiture. Good luck, and please state your first argument.
  7. 7.

    Mental health issues carry no stigma in Australia

    For

    • Secondly, There are many resources to help people with mental illness, An example of this is councilors. Counselors can help because they are professionally trained to help deal with the problems of having a mental illness. Celebrities can also help with mental illnesses…
    • Firstly, No stigma helps people not to feel discriminated when asking professionals for help and getting the treatment and support they need. Meaning that Australia is a place where people feel free to talk about their problems, This is supported because Australia is a country…

    Against

    • "To the world you look like you're OK, You have a face full of makeup and a smile on your face, You don't look like you're sad, But inside you feel a bit dead. " The young girl who wrote this was clearly suffering however she covers up her problems everyday. Why? Because their…
    • Finally, There is also a social stigma that stems from the media. My opponent said that there are organisation that are trying to help the fight the stigma we all know exists however evidence shows that the presentation of positive images does not appear to balance negative…
  8. 8.

    A fat tax should be implemented

    For

    • A fat tax levels out the playing field for healthier food
    • An individual's BMI is no longer a purely personal matter

    Against

    • A tax is not an effective instrument to fight obesity
    • It hits the most vulnerable part of society hardest
  9. 9.

    The sale of cigarettes and tobacco products should be banned

    For

    • Though there are risks for those quitting when we are taking tobacco off the market entirely, it isn't impossible to do this.7 out of every 10 smokers want to quit, so helping people get off the drug is the first priority.Simply quitting cold turkey, without help has a 5%…
    • Con says, "The problem is that many people are already addicted to cigarettes. If we impose a ban, that would not stop many people. Smoking is similar, in my opinion, to certain mental health problems. I say this because many people cannot overcome their habit of smoking…

    Against

    • "7 out of every 10 smokers want to quit, so helping people get off the drug is the first priority." What about the other 3 in 10? Some people will be dead set on being able to smoke and will still buy the cigarettes illegally. This could encourage some criminals to come from…
    • "Con says, 'The problem is that...' That is why I'm talking about a ban on the sale of cigarettes. That way those feeding this addiction can be taken out of the picture without attacking those dealing with addiction." If you banned the sale of cigarettes, the addicts still…
  10. 10.

    The FDA should not ban flavored tobacco

    For

    • Sorry to get back so late as i am a busy man these days with training. I see my opponent has got the personal attack game accomplished with his little "Furthermore, who cares what kind you like?", well who the hell cares about your existence? Anyways. 1. I never said the F.D.A.…
    • Hello before i begin id like to start by saying it's weird to be back after almost a year of absence from my old username "the_conservative". Apparently i wa pretty controversial haha, but let's begin. As we all know a little while back our President Barack Hussein Obama signed…

    Against

    • Hello. I would like to start by thanking my opponent for starting what I am sure to be an interesting debate. I would like to start off my argument by summing up my opponents points from each paragraph, and after each, I will give a short rebuttal. 1. There was a new law passed…
    • "I see my opponent has got the personal attack game accomplished with his little "Furthermore, who cares what kind you like? ", well who the hell cares about your existence? Anyways. " In a debate where you are arguing about law, an opinion of a flavour does not matter. The…
  11. 11.

    Anti-alcohol campaigners should provide stronger evidence for their claims

    For

    • I would like to extend my thanks to Valtarov for his comprehensive and informed response. I should just make it clear at the outset that it is the anti-alcohol movement's attempt to impose their set of moral values on the rest of society that I object to and I fully support the…
    • If someone abstains from alcohol, that's fine, nobody is going to force him or her to drink. However, some teetotallers have a problem with other people enjoying alcoholic drinks, probably because they feel they are missing out some fun. These envious prudes disguise their…

    Against

    • Thanks to my opponent for the debate. I'll begin with my opponent's points, then move on to my own. 1) Teetotalers [sic] actually have no public health concern, but are merely envious of the better social lives enjoyed by drinkers. My opponent re-asserts his claim that the…
    • Thanks to brian_eggelston for one of my two simultaneous first debates on this site. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ First, I will present my own case, then move on to address my opponent's case. Since my opponent has defined no clear, debatable…
  12. 12.

    The US should ban travel from countries with disease outbreaks

    For

    • Yes, Travel should be prohibited.
    • Yes as it is "unfair" to the people who don't have Ebola or who have not come in contact with Ebola, we still need to ban trade and travel to prevent the widespread that this disease can cause. As there is no current way to examine a human to tell if they have the disease or…

    Against

    • I guess it would be alright if they did ban travel from Africa, but what about the people who were never in contact with someone who has Ebola. There should be tests that people have to take, if it's positive, they can't go on the plane, and if it's not positive they can go…
  13. 13.

    Large-sized soft drinks should be banned from sale

    For

    • My first argument is that large-size soft drink consumption may lead to serious diseases. Soft-drinks can seem extremely appealing and taste great. However, these soft-drinks can lead to various diseases. One example of a disease that can develop due to over consuming…
    • First I would like to start off by refuting my fellow opponent's arguments. But before I do, I would like to clarify that I am NOT supporting his side. I am on proposition so it's my obligation to defend the resolution. The resolution states that "This house would ban the sale…

    Against

    • My first argument is that by the moral theory Hedonism, people should maximize pleasure and minimize pain. Therefore, government do not have a moral obligation to-- in fact they shouldn't-- limit the public's consumption of unhealthy foods and drinks. R: People who consume…
    • Acceptence Round
  14. 14.

    The US should provide universal healthcare to all citizens

    For

    • Seeing as how we have 4 rounds in this debate, I'm going to state my case in a simplistic manner, and I'll go back later to elaborate on any points that cause confusion. There are a lot of problems with the healthcare system that the United States currently has. Insurance…
    • My opponent's account has been deleted, likely due to her plagiarism. She has thus not been able to post a final argument. I will use this final round to reiterate on the case I have made for universal, government-run healthcare. This will be a brief overview; you can find the…

    Against

    • Don't be so quick to assume that the only basis for my argument is what I said in round 1. Remember there are four rounds to this one. So I am going to state a few more points and feel free to retort them. I can provide credentials upon request. "Free" health care isn't really…
    • Quick, try to think of one government office that runs efficiently. The Department of Transportation? Social Security Administration? Department of Education? There isn't a single government department that squeezes efficiency out of every dollar the way a private sector can.…
  15. 15.

    African nations should ban skin-whitening creams and similar products

    For

    • Monetizing colonialism
    • These products are dangerous

    Against

    • Run education campaigns instead
    • Prohibition is counterproductive
  16. 16.

    Governments should implement a fat tax

    For

    • Con argues that there are no objectively unhealthly foods. This is untrue, a medical dictionary (online) has defined unhealthy foods as any food that is not regarded as being conducive to maintaining health. They include fats (especially of animal origin), "fast" foods (which…
    • The debate is whether fat tax should be implemented. Fat tax is defined as a form of sin tax implemented on unhealthy foods that are linked to obesity. The motion is limited to first world or developed countries as these are the countries facing high level obesity and would…

    Against

    • I will begin by addressing my opponents opening argument and I will then move on to refuting their rebuttals of my argument. 1) My opponent spends much of her space illustrating the economic and public health concerns over obesity. I essentially agree with them on the points…
    • I will be representing the Con side of the debate and will be arguing that: the proposed "fat tax" should not be implemented. I will begin by building the Con argument in 4 main points. I will refrain from rebuttal until the second round as a gesture of good will for my…
  17. 17.

    Smoking near non-smokers and children should be banned

    For

    • Once again, in all these places, they can simply go outside. if there are people in that area, he can move to an area that is less populated. There is always an area in a park where there are less people. Yes, you would be able to smoke in a park where there are less people.
    • If the place does not have a smoking area, the smoker will have to go outside. If they have to smoke immediately , they can go outside also. I did not say anything about the smoker having to wait. Once again, there is always outside. The smoker will not suffer any pain, they do…

    Against

    • Do you think that a smoker would smoke in a school,mall or places like this??He would always go to an open area and smoke.But isn't that open area full with children and people of other age category?? For example- A Park. Would you allow a smoker to smoke in a park tough that…
    • Do all place have smoking areas?? Smokers find it difficult after sometime without smoking. If a smoker does not get an area where he can smoke ,then what will he do?? Should he suffer the pain which mostly the smokers feel after not smoking for after a particular time, until…
  18. 18.

    The United States should act against childhood obesity

    For

    • Since my opponent isn't willing to expand his thoughts about this subject, I will move onto my next argument. Obese people are being discriminated against, and will continue to be discriminated against until they lose weight. In a study done by researchers at Rice University,…
    • I would like to start my debate off with some statistics from: "http://www.annecollins.com...; USA Obesity Rates Reach Epidemic Proportions >more than a third of American children, aged between six and nineteen are either overweight, or at risk of becoming obese >58 Million…

    Against

    • Well i think if we don't stop people's consummation then the USA won't be the planet of good reputations.
    • I forfeit
  19. 19.

    Many uninsured people could afford coverage but choose not to

    For

    • Since my opponent seems occupied, I'll burn a round and talk about why those who can afford medical insurance so often choose to go without it. Let's imagine for a minute that the government did not force hospitals to treat people who do not have insurance or the ability to pay…
    • I will use your statistics, but keep in mind that "poverty" as a designation is typically used as a threshold to qualify for federal, state and local assistance. These income numbers are reported by the very people who are trying to qualify for government aid. As a result,…

    Against

    • Point 1: People Lie About Their Income I agree that some people lie about their income (i.e. off-the-books jobs); however, the number of people who engage in this type of dishonest behavior has gone unreported or unproven by Pro. And even if Pro had proven that this were the…
    • 47.5 million Americans are uninsured as of August 2008. 36 million Americans live in poverty. The federal poverty line for a family of 4 is $21, 200. That translates to $5,300 per person per year. Do you think that someone - in these times, with this economy - can live on…
  20. 20.

    Cigarettes should be banned from society

    For

    • crap never mind i thought i was not wanring the band
    • This arguement presents an overview of the controversy over tobacco control, with links to documents in HTML and PDF formats available from PolicyBot, the free online database and search engine that also resides on The Heartland Institute"s Web site. You can go directly to the…

    Against

    • In the positive speaker's first argument they took into account many valid points that should be taken into consideration when voting on this debate, they showed statistics and links to a very informative website that should be viewed by anyone interested in the smoking debate,…
    • Cigarettes should not receive a complete, immediate ban from society. I would like to scope this argument to the entirety of Australia, and define the topic as a complete ban of cigarettes. Meaning all use and possession of cigarettes will result in a heavy fine and possible…
  21. 21.

    Organ donation should be opt-out rather than opt-in

    For

    • Thank-you for the reply, The majority You say that we do not legislate for the majority when surely, in essence, that is exactly what a democracy does and what the purpose of democracy is. The most popular political party are voted in because the greatest proportion of the…
    • I'm glad you like the debate, it is something I feel personally passionate about! Religion is the main issue barring the introduction of opt-out organ donation. Although we are a tolerant society towards religion, particularly Christianity, British society is no longer as…

    Against

    • The MajorityWhile point of what you have said are true, we do not live in a true democracy, and we do legislate for the minority, I will explain abit more what I mean with this. I for example am Scottish. When you say "The most popular political party are voted in because the…
    • Religious Percentage As an athiest myself I am aware of the rising numbers and the fall in christianity, however we do not legislate for the percentage. Things like freedom of speech etc. are in place because it is unpopular speech by the minority that would be suppressed. Laws…
  22. 22.

    At least 99% of adults worldwide should eat a vegan diet

    For

    • v
    • "Honestly, you coul'd be vegan i dont care that your, freedom right. I dont know if your trying to force veganism on people because if so that violationg the first amendment." Con Not trying to force, convince of your own free will. If I was trying to force, the resolution…

    Against

    • Honestly, you coul'd be vegan i dont care that your, freedom right. I dont know if your trying to force veganism on people because if so that violationg the first amendment.
  23. 23.

    Public health concerns justify overriding pharmaceutical patents

    For

    • I affirm the resolution "Public health concerns justify government violation of pharmaceutical patents". I offer the following definitions: Pharmaceutical patent- a patent granted by the government referring to either pharmaceutical drugs or the related medical technology…

    Against

    • Indeed, my opponent is speechless! My opponent failed to respond to my counterargument, therefore my conclusions stand unchallenged.
    • My opponent failed to respond to my counterargument, therefore my conclusions stand unchallenged.
  24. 24.

    Low-fat diets are not healthier than other diets

    For

    • "Both saturated and trans fats increase heart disease risk, by mechanisms such as raising so-called "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and lowering "good" cholesterol (HDL), according to the American Heart Association (AHA)." (1) I am pretty sure that the American Heart Association knows…
    • "But the study suggests that low-fat diets weaken the immune system and slow the body"s healing process and make it less effective." (1) When you are eating a low-fat diet it would never occur to you that you could be doing damage to your body. But you very well might be. When…

    Against

    • "Both saturated and trans fats increase heart disease risk, by mechanisms such as raising so-called "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and lowering "good" cholesterol (HDL), according to the American Heart Association (AHA)." I'm not sure what you are implying with this quote, unless you…
    • The key word here is suggest, your study suggest a low-fat diet weakens the immune system. Every couple years there seem to be some kind of study that total contradict another study. They suggest because they don't know. Also where is this study from? What hospital ? Which…
  25. 25.

    Blood donation eligibility should depend on body weight

    For

    • If a fat 5 year old has enough blood then we should allow them to donate. we are allowing skinny people to donate now and drawing than much blood from them is not healthy to their body.
    • "The gift of life" is giving people life through giving blood but, many cant do this because they are to young. Let there be a weight restriction not age

    Against

    • Sorry that you couldn't post.
    • Extend my arguements.
  26. 26.

    Parents should be held responsible for their obese child's condition

    For

    • Parents should be responsible because a child's brain isn't developed enough to know what to eat or what not to eat at age 3 or 4. If there aren't any health problems that are cause the child(ren) to be obese, the parents should be held responsible because they don't put a…

    Against

    • my opponent has forfeited this round
    • My opponent has forfeited this round.
  27. 27.

    A vegetarian diet is healthier than an omnivorous diet

    For

    • I have a feeling I'm going to lose this debate simply because of many of the voters' lifestyle choices, but let's go anyway. I'd like to ask the voters to consider keeping an open mind about vegetarianism and to judge the round on who is a better debater, not on who supports…

    Against

    • My position, obviously, is no. First, i shall define what an omnivore, or someone with an omnivorous diet, is. For the sake of Simplicity, I shall define an omnivore, as someone who eats plants and animals, indiscriminately. Secondly, I shall address my opponents arguments. I…
    • Again, my opponent has forfeit this round.
  28. 28.

    Physicians should have no limit on working hours

    For

    • As the audience can see, the opponent has resorted to insulting me and my position, instead of trying to refute the points I made. Also, his comment was extremely drawn out and had filler words to make his argument seem longer, thus, more accurate, and he has failed in his…
    • Physicians should not have a limit on the amount of hours they work. 1.) A good physician is a physician that is experienced, educated, and spends the most amount of time possible on their career, and advancing their education as a physician. 2.) The "doctors get tired and make…

    Against

    • Before we debate this I'd like to state a few things: 1)Since medical science is very specific in it's terminology and there is a universal acceptance of many bodily processes and functions, I will not define any medical terminology or explain any basic bodily processes unless…
    • Pro is claiming that my entire argument is one that revolves around perpetually committing the ad hominem fallacy, but I have done no such thing. As to not repost my entire argument from the first round I suggest rereading my rebuttal from the first round. I also submit that if…
  29. 29.

    Alcohol should be banned

    For

    • Thank you! :)
    • Thank you... I would like to join Model United Nation, but I'll do it next year because this year's MUN has passed :) !

    Against

    • You're welcome :) Well, seems that this "argument" is over. :P
    • Really ?! So did I! i participated two years ago, it was the best thing ever! Good luck :D
  30. 30.

    Margarine is better than butter

    For

    • I am a canola farmer and I believe that it is important to support grain farmers in a small way by purchasing margarine over butter. Dairy farmers have safety nets like supply management and do not need your support as much as a grain farmer does. Support your local canola…

    Against

    • https://www. Youtube. Com/watch? V=tTZLVrhXfkc (I couldn't resist)
    • My arguments have gone unchallenged the previous round. I suppose the Pro argument has either missed the post deadline or set aside the debate. I will use a fundamental philosophical argument to bolster my arguments that freedom of conscience and will are more important than a…
  31. 31.

    Smoking should be banned in public places and near children

    For

    • My argument rests.
    • I have no argument to present due to the fact my opponent has forfeited. I look forward to a late argument in the comment section, and hope he is ok for he has not been online for 3 days.

    Against

    • Lets not set this as law. You need to find your strength and show them the law righteously. be free from the law, but in turn you will find a deeper meaning of acceptance and a whole perception in time. The true spirit, that will soon know that it is the lord. read and study…
  32. 32.

    Cigarettes should be illegal

    For

    • I thank you charizard for debating with me. I shall now refute your points and extend my argument. On the issue of choice, the governments responsibility to protect it's citizens outweighs its responsibility to protect freedom in this case. Yes, people can inform themselves…
    • I propose that cigarettes should be illegal. They contain poisonous chemicals and kill nearly every long-time user.

    Against

    • Thanks to my opponent for this debate.
    • Thanks to my opponent for presenting his case! (Freedom of choice) Pro contends that in this case, the governments responsibility to protect its citizens outweighs its responsibility to protect their freedom of choice. He gives three reasons to support this conclusion: 1.…
  33. 33.

    The teenage brain is physiologically underdeveloped

    For

    • And image the world where anyone from the age of 13 could vote, as technically 13 year old are teenagers. There are anomalies, brains that develop faster and brains that develop slower. The majority seem to develop after teenage years or right at the end. I did not say that…
    • I apologise, I did not explain what I meant fully. When I say it is not developed fully I do mean that this means that it is predetermined to be reckless. If a person partly loses the function of their legs then they are predetermined to fall, if the decision making part of the…

    Against

    • Thanks for responding :) I am talking about a larger context here. Like voting rights, drinking age, and age of consent. Image a world where we hand out voting rights to those who solve puzzles and win games the fastest. Sorry I didn't clarify more, but I meant older people are…
    • First off, my argument is not that the teenage brain is fully developed and therefore not prone to recklessness. My argument is that the teen brain is not pre-determined to be reckless, meaning that it is the environment, as opposed to some time-related set-in-stone…
  34. 34.

    The US federal government should offer financial incentives to encourage organ donation

    For

    • Hi, thanks for the debate! I plan on addressing only your first and last contention of your argument, as the legal jurisdiction of such a financial incentive is, in my opinion, incidental to the fundamental argument (however important it may be on a specific ballot or law).…
    • Good rejoinder. Your first point, if I understand correctly, is that the poor will take the risk unknowingly simply for easy money. You do the poor no justice here; donors are made aware of the risks before donation. Yes, more poor people will donate, but not because they are…

    Against

    • First of all, thank you for excepting this debate. I was not saying either of what you stated, which precisely was "Either you are arguing that it is OK for the rich to take risks but not the poor, or you're arguing that the risks of donating are such that no one should donate"…
    • Resolved: The United States federal government should permit the use of financial incentives to encourage organ donation. Contention 1:By giving incentive for organ donations, people tend to overlook the risks. Money does talk and maybe a bit too much. In a situation where…
  35. 35.

    Adolescents should have the right to make their own medical decisions

    For

    • No Round as agreed upon.
    • I do agree with my opponent's negate out definition, but by the end of my round I will have shown you that not only has my opponent dropped several of my own argument, but I have won key arguments here. Contention 1: Kant.Universalizeability is defined as the person's reasons…

    Against

    • Pro's just not doing enough work to answer back for the framework issues and isn't doing anywhere near enough work on the substance level to garner any kind of offense. And, he concedes to my burden set-up, so this means that because he's not winning sufficient offense coming…
    • Extend my definition of negate out. All I have to do is refute affirmative arguments to win. Pro doesn't respond to it so prefer this burden set-up.On Kant:Extend my response to universizability that there's no universal response to any kind of medical condition. Each disease…
  36. 36.

    Making smoking illegal would save more lives

    For

    • Alright I'll leave it up to the voter"s to decide
    • You didn't counter any of my arguments!

    Against

    • You no understand
    • Once you start you cant stop and others would smoke just because its cool.(not realy) so it wouldn't save more lifes
  37. 37.

    Smoking should be made illegal

    For

    • Thank you for your reply and sorry for my late response. I didn"t forfeit the round, I"m having exams this month so I can"t open any electronic devices this month except for weekends. Oh and I"m not going to quote everything you said. other wise, I won"t have enough space to…
    • First of all, thanks for the accepting the challenge. Alright let"s get to the point. 1)True. Smoking is their addiction it"d be next to impossible to get the heavy smokers off their addiction. But what about the people of tomorrow. If smoking is not banned and all of the…

    Against

    • Thanks for the reply. I apologize for my late response, i had a busy day. "True. Smoking is their addiction it"d be next to impossible to get the heavy smokers off their addiction. But what about the people of tomorrow. If smoking is not banned and all of the supply of…
    • Firstly, thank you for challenging me. This should really be fun. Here we go. So you say that smoking is bad, and shall be banned completely. To smokers, cigarettes are their addiction. If they don't smoke, they start to go crazy. Studies have shown that when people don't get…
  38. 38.

    Fast food restaurants do more harm than good

    For

    • I look forward to debating this topic. For Round 1, please accept. All arguments will be posted on Round 2, Round 3, Round 4, and partially Round 5. Thanks!
    • However, on to the voting: Agree with before the debate: Pro (Of course, almost everyone thinks that fast food is bad. ) Agree with after the debate: Con (Con showed some reasons why fast food is good. ) Conduct: Pro (Con forfeited. ) Spelling and Grammar: Tie Most Convincing…

    Against

    • Since he has clearly mentioned that all arguments should be posted from the next round; there is not much for me to say in this round.
    • As far as my forfeiting the round is concerned.I would like to remind the readers and my dear pro that I was not in the favor of this debate having more that 3 rounds.Pro will certainly agree to this.I must also admit that it was my fault that I could'nt notify Pro of my…
  39. 39.

    Cosmetic surgery should be banned

    For

    • If not all cosmetic surgery is registered then we're did you get your statistics. We our not talking about what causes more deaths this is not a death compatishan. We our talking about the logistics in putting yourself on cutting table to look batter, it's stooped and selfish…
    • First you say tobacco kills 5 million per year how do you know cosmetic surgery doesn't kill mre. There are maney Un registered cosmetic surgery. Patients being aware of risk doesn't change anything I'd they die same as smoking. As for naturally bad birth is bater then diaing…

    Against

    • I disagree with everything you say. I can understand the point you are making, but it is unwarranted. I reinstate all my previous arguments to counter your new argument -- you have not made any new contentions. I cited the source of my information at the bottom of my previous…
    • I know cosmetic surgery doesn't kill more people because there are many verified statistics readily available online. All forms of cosmetic surgery (including liposuction and other 'extreme' forms) account for less than 1 in 11,000 deaths. This is including unregistered…
  40. 40.

    New York City should be allowed to limit soda sizes

    For

    • The City has the obligation to protect its citizenry
    • There is precedent of paternalistic government policies in NYC.

    Against

    • The Ban Would Be a Barrier to Free Enterprise
    • It is undemocratic to have the law pass through the board of health.
  41. 41.

    McDonald's should be considered unhealthy

    For

    • Unfortunately, my opponent has forfeited another round. Extend my arguments.
    • Unfortunately, my opponent has forfeited a round. Extend my arguments.

    Against

    • I would like my opponent to post first in this debate. I prefer if arguments are presented in number format, so counter arguments can be made.
  42. 42.

    The US should adopt a soft opt-out system for organ donation

    For

    • First, thank for being my first opponent. :D Because of the way you structured your first argument I assume you already know that opt out is better than opt in. The only thing that has to be proven is the soft opt out vs the real opt out. 1: Moral problems The main reason why…
    • I am new to DDO but i have some actual debate experience. The soft organ donation system in this debate means that family members can call off the organ harvesting if they choose.

    Against

    • I thank you for your counterargument which I will now counter so to form a counter-attack upon your countery attack of my original post! 1: Moral problems "The main reason why we need to have this safeguard is because many people have problems with the organ donation process.…
    • Hello Con and thank you for your participation. I do not believe that family members should be permitted to opt out of a person's OWN belief. Someone has chosen to do something, and why should anyone choose for them to not do that thing. Now, let us consider the need for this.…
  43. 43.

    Alternative medicine is better than Western medicine

    For

    • Con has dropped the majority of my arguments, prefering instead to attack via quotes; so they by default count as concessions and stand in favour of affirming the resolution. T'was a pleasure taking the hard side of the debate and fighting for that, thank you Con for…
    • Affirmative Round 2Thats the spirit, pain all around. I just realised you were new to the site so it was rude of me to enter this debate with the explcit purpose of trying to make you lose... Meh. Just to let you know, it is frowned upon to make debates which gaurenttee you an…

    Against

    • Defence of the Negating Case: Because alternative medicine takes so long to take effect, it would take quite a long time to be able to find out if your treatment was the correct one, whereas with conventional medicine it wouldn't take so long. Go get acupuncture and see how you…
    • Hello Pro, I see you have set up a debate for a interesting win. I recieved your headache well, I will now provide you with a migraine. Hope you enjoy it. Rebuttal The majority of people who use conventional medicine do so not because they find it more desirable, but because…
  44. 44.

    The business model of allopathic medicine harms patient care

    For

    • My opponent has forfeited another round. This should be construed as a forfeit of the entire debate, at this stage.
    • My opponent has forfeited round 3 of this argument. Therefore, I propose my opponent is conceding the points I made in my rebuttal and argument of round 2.

    Against

    • Hello, you won't get the debate you ask for -- just yet -- this was first post and coming out of a five year stupor of deep disease. So you will need to pardon grade school word substitution as my cognitive functions are affected. Never even heard of this place but I am angry…
    • It"s unreal how very poor to non-existent true assistance, medical or otherwise, is for the majority of ill people because of very tightly controlled* specialties as defined by the Allopathic paradigm/doctrine. *Boundaries are Never to be breached, so if your skin hurts and…
  45. 45.

    Governments should ban smoking

    For

    • are you a smoke. it would make sense to back it up Tobacco: The True Cost of Smoking Tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the US, yet more than 45 million Americans still smoke cigarettes. As of 2010, there were also 13.2…
    • I think that cancer rate would go down and smoking is diminishing faster these days anyways so why no banded it.

    Against

    • Of course there are positives to having a society with less smokers. However, what the proposition fails to realize is that this ban would result in so much negative reaction from the public. The cancer rate would go down, yes, but there would be more danger in the streets…
    • In the 1930s, the government of the United States of America put a probation on the drinking and distribution of alcohol. Guess what the result was? Chaos ensured. A black market was created run by gangsters and mobsters. It gave them even more to do, run a system so dangerous…
  46. 46.

    Non-therapeutic antibiotic use in farm animals should be banned

    For

    • it should be banned because would you want to have the animals antibiotics in your system

    Against

    • Another forfeit by my opponent. Its a shame too, this debate couldve been interesting.
    • Okay, my opponent has forfeited this round. I have encountered his type before, and will guess he will forfeit the other rounds as well. I have nothing else to say.
  47. 47.

    Governments should fund birth control for all citizens

    For

    • Seeing that con has failed to counter the obviously beneficial outcomes of publicly funded birth control, I shall restate what I said earlier. Publicly funded birth control would be good for the environment since it slows down population growth, it would be good socially since…
    • I will start off by saying that publicly funded would be beneficial to society as a whole since it would 1. Save Money. The reason it would save money is because less welfare children would be born since the lower socio-economic groups would have access to birth control. Since…

    Against

    • I suppose my argument will have to be that the public as a whole through the government should fund nothing of the sort, and that only the select group of people who want to fund it ought to.
    • Oops I guess I missed this one by a couple hours. To your first point, the most effective form of birth control is ridiculously cheap and already available to everyone (Abstinence). For those who can't control themselves, condoms are a very very close second at <$10 for a box…
  48. 48.

    A raw vegan diet is ideal for healthy living

    For

    • umm.. cheese comes from orange juice. where do you think it gets its colour? are you dumb?
    • It's funny that such arguments would come from a person who only feeds their dog vegetables. You use the term "animals" as though all animals are omnivores. Of course, it is a well known fact that most animals are vegans. Take the mighty lion for example. It only eats fresh raw…

    Against

    • http://m.dummies.com... Here is where cheese comes from. The opponent has not taken this debate seriously. I have stated all the benefits of eating meat that he can not refute. I have shown that meat is essential for a healthy diet. Thank you.
    • Rebuttal 1: I feed my dog meat and vegtables and she is stronger than ever. You know, we also eat veggies. It is not like we eat only meat. Rebuttal 2: Throw in a lunk for that and I will accept it as fact. Otherwise, I rule it an invalid statement Rebuttal 3: Read before you…
  49. 49.

    People should be paid to donate blood

    For

    • Before we begin, you will note that my model is not specifically set in the USA. I made a point of including all countries from both the first and third world. For con to win a counter-model he must do more than simply show a superior model for one country. He must show a…
    • I'm going to assume my opponent doesn't actually mean 100% donation rates because drawing blood from those with AIDs or those with low blood pressure is probably just going to kill lots of people. Only around 30% of the population in first-world countries are actually eligable…

    Against

    • Overview: How to evaluate this debateMy opponent argues that this debate should be evaluated to the extent of the entire world. That's fine. However, as a judge you're weighing two hypothetical world's against each other. On one hand, my opponent advocates for a world in which…
    • I will address my opponent's arguments in order. He begins by arguing that I would not net a 100% rate because of people with AIDs and other maladies. This is true, I specified that the compulsory aspect would be conducted via the Red Cross. People with risky medical conditions…
  50. 50.

    Medical professionals, not parents, should decide children's health care

    For

    • Yes, I assumed that the reason why you claimed that doctors prescribe unnecessary drugs is for their own benefit, yet if you intend to say that they just prescribe these drugs in general, then I apologize. Yet this enforces my case, for if a medical professional with at least 8…
    • First, I will refute my opponent's argument before continuing on to state my contentions. The opposition claims that because doctors are interested only in monetary gain, decisions made by doctors would be inferior to the parents'. First of all, the opposition makes the…

    Against

    • You are correct in saying i did continually use the word "usually" as I try to refrain from bold blanket statements such as " Parents are unable to look far into the future concerning the children's healthcare." simply untrue. You continue to assert a sort of undertone, that…
    • It seems that your entire post revolves around me apparently saying that doctors are only interested in monetary gain. NOT ONCE did i say that, or even imply that. I'm assuming, however, that you must be referring to "doctors would prefer more often than not to prescribe…

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