Over the years, average life expectancy in America has nearly doubled, due largely to scientific and medical advances, but also as a consequence of safer working conditions, a heightened awareness of the importance of diet and health, and other factors. This title surveys the constitutional arguments that have driven the right to die debate.
The Schiavo case changed the decision to withhold life-prolonging nutrition and hydration which appeared to many to be as non-controversial as decisions to refuse respirators or dialysis. The ethical dilemmas that such cases pose great controversy. This work examines these dilemmas providing information and documentation from many perspectives.
Prospective Autonomy and Decisions Near the End of Life
Examining the tension between incompetent patients' wishes and their interests as well as other challenges to advance directives, this title offers a comprehensive argument for favoring advance instructions during the dying process. It presents and develops a theory of prospective autonomy that recasts and strengthens patient and family control.
Advance directives - such as living wills and health care proxies - are documents intended to declare and preserve the health care choices of patients if they become unable to make their own decisions. This book provides a comprehensive overview of advance directives and clear, practical directions for writing and interpreting them.
Offers a history of the active euthanasia movement in America, as represented by its most visible proponent, the Hemlock Society. This book traces the growth of the society from its beginnings as a three-person cause to its world-wide fame.
Intends to capture the moment of Dr Rosier's legal ordeal. Describing an intriguing array of legal twists and turns, this book helps you find out why Patricia's father and brothers sought immunity before they would testify, and feel the rush of tension in planning defence strategy: how could anyone explain away Dr. Rosier's confessions?
Whether it be disconnecting life-support systems, or choosing not to resuscitate, administering a lethal overdose, the public is divided: should these actions be viewed as "mercy killing", or are they acts of murder pure and simple? This book presents selections that help clear away the clouds of confusion churning at the centre of this debate.
