Euthanasia Examined: Ethical, Clinical and Legal Perspectives

Description

Whether euthanasia or assisted suicide should be legalized is one of the most pressing and profound questions facing legislators, health care professionals, their patients, and all members of society. Regrettably, the debate is too often characterized by rhetoric rather than reason. This book aims to inform the debate by acquainting anyone interested in this vital question with some of the major ethical, legal, clinical and theological issues involved. The essays it contains are authoritative in that they have been commissioned from some of the world's leading experts, balanced in that they reflect divergent viewpoints (including a vigorous debate between two eminent philosophers), and readable in that they should be readily understood by the general reader.

'Of all the ethical issues in medicine, euthanasia ... is the most important ... Euthanasia Examined is by far the best guide ... that I have ever come across.' The Times Literary Supplement '... an exceptionally lucid book.' Melanie Philips, The Observer '... a thought-provoking book, which does not seek to persuade but to inform the reader.' Clinical Oncology 'John Keown has done a remarkable job by collecting and editing the eighteen contributions ... The book is not only wanted. It is a must for all who deal with patients approaching the river Styx.' Journal of the Royal College of Physicians 'This book is a most significant and extremely well documented text about diverse aspects of euthanasia ... It stands out as a remarkable contribution to the understanding and debate of euthanasia. It is strongly commended.' Journal of Christian Medical Fellowship 'The debate on euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide is spreading. It promises to go on, to become more heated, and to grow more complex. This book lays the issues out in a clear, incisive, and lively way. It is an exceedingly valuable resource.' Daniel Callaghan ' ... provides a broad outline of many of the arguments, political, legal and moral, both for and against euthanasia. It is in this a thoroughly modern product.' Tamsin Geach, Priests and People 'As Daniel Callahan, President of the Hastings Centre, writes in his Foreword, 'If ever there was a case for looking before we leap, then this is it. We have a chance to do so and this book is a good place to begin.' This reviewer would not disagree.' John Beloff, Journal of Voluntary Euthanasia '... an invaluable contribution to the debate.' Kristina Stern, Journal of Medical Ethics '... an invaluable reference source ... given the momentum and world-wide prominence of the euthanasia debate, this book should be an essential part of any nursing or medical library.' Simon Smith, Professional Nurse '... this book represents contemporary views from experts in the field on the issue of Euthanasia. This subject will affect all of us who look after patients, whether we like it or not. We would do well to become informed through this well-written publication.' Patrick Magee, CMQ Quarterly '... endeavours to do more than offer a single solution to the difficult questions raised by this issue. It invites comments from several experts in this field.' Damian Konig, International Digest of Health Legislation '... a much-needed balanced view.' Alex Paxton, British Medical Journal 'Keown has organised, edited, and contributed to this excellent collection of philosophical 'This book draws together experts from a range of disciplines, from philosophers and theologians to lawyers and clinicians. The views expressed illustrate the wide divergences that make this one of the more contentious issues in medical ethics today ... an important source of information for those wishing to be better informed about the debate.' Bulletin of Medical Ethics