Argumentative Essay: The Medical Amnesty Law

Each year, thousands of young people tragically lose their lives due to alcohol poisoning and other alcohol related injuries that were unintentional ("The Medical Amnesty Initiative."). In situations where a minor is in need of emergency medical attention, studies show that the worry is more about getting into trouble and receiving a Minor in Possession/Consumption of alcohol (MIP//MIC) ticket, instead of the well being of that person. As a result, lives are put at risk. That is exactly why the medical amnesty policy was put into place, so underage drinkers could put their worries aside and do the right thing. The medical amnesty policy will change the way students and underage drinkers handle an emergency situation. The Medical Amnesty Law allows for underage drinkers to call for medical help without getting in trouble. It saves lives by preventing the hesitation of students during medical emergencies involving alcohol or drugs (" 911 Good Samaritan Policy Guide"). Many students are fearful and hesitant to alert authorities during medical emergencies because they fear harsh disciplinary responses to drug and alcohol violations. These hesitations during a life threatening emergency can be fatal yet prevented. The Medical Amnesty Law …show more content…
One student said he “ Won’t think twice” about calling for help now (Nolan). This is now leading other students to petition for the law. Many campus administrators are wanting to send the right message, and a medical amnesty policy would send the message that campus officials care more about keeping students alive than punishing them, which is the correct message (McKnight). More than half of the schools with Medical Amnesty Policies provide coverage for situations involving all drugs, not just alcohol. This is logical, since drugs are often involved in party situations and can serve as a deterrent to calling for help, whether or not the drug was involved in the