Publisher's Synopsis
Although we now have over twenty years experience with aid in dying, this end of life choice continues to be misunderstood by many, misrepresented by some, and hotly debated. It also remains criminal in most of the United States. Aid in Dying - The Ultimate Argument clearly explains why states will and should continue the movement toward aid in dying. Here is an intelligible ethical defense of physician assisted death as permitted in Oregon, Washington and Vermont. It demonstrates that there are no ethical arguments sufficient to justify the criminalization of aid in dying in our secular, pluralistic society. None. All of the traditional and continuing objections to aid in dying are examined. It addresses the decision of the dying individual, the role of the physician, and the feared consequences of permitting aid in dying. You will be able to take any opposition argument and point to the portion of this explanation where it is addressed, place it in context, and understand why it fails to justify criminalization. This "handbook" is for those who live in states where aid in dying is prohibited. It is for those who want help in understanding the ethical arguments surrounding physician assisted death. It is especially for those who continue to argue for the criminalization of aid in dying. It is the ultimate argument because, if these considerations do not demonstrate that aid in dying should be allowed, it cannot be established that aid in dying should be permitted. Beyond aid in dying, this discussion offers valuable insights into the nature of disputes regarding what is right and wrong and what occurs in the many social / ethical / moral conflicts we confront in our diverse communities.
