The Euthanasia/Assisted-Suicide Debate (Historical Guides to Controversial Issues in America) - Hardcover

Pappas, Demetra M.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0313341877 ISBN 13: 9780313341878

Publisher: Greenwood, 2012

Synopsis

This revealing volume explores recent historical perspectives on the modern euthanasia and assisted-suicide debate and the political arenas in which it has unfolded.

Emotional public responses to widely publicized right-to-die and euthanasia cases, such as those revolving around Dr. Jack Kevorkian and Terri Schiavo, highlight their volatile mix of medical, ethical, religious, legal, and public policy issues. The Euthanasia/Assisted-Suicide Debate explores how this debate has evolved over the past 100 years as judicial approaches, legislative responses, and prosecutorial practices have shifted as a result of changes in medical technology and consumer sophistication.

Emphasizing the period from the 1950s forward, the book offers an unbiased examination of the origins of the modern medical euthanasia and assisted-suicide debates, the involvement of physicians, the history and significance of medical technology and practice, and the role of patients and their families in the ongoing controversy. This illuminating exploration of concepts, issues, and players will help readers understand both sides of the debate as viewed by participants.

About this title

About the Author

Demetra M. Pappas, JD, MSc, PhD, holds a law degree from Fordham University School of Law and a master of science degree in criminal justice policy from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).

Reviews

The Euthanasia/Assisted Suicide Debate is a thorough yet concise review of the history and development of medical euthanasia and assisted suicide. Pappas goes to great lengths to provide information from every side of this charged issue in an unbiased manner. The book covers the extensive history of legislative efforts related to euthanasia dating back to 1905 as well as the gradual transition from euthanasia as a practical, medical issue to a controversial issue based in politics, religion, and morality. The book is structured in chronological order, with each chapter highlighting a significant portion of the development of the euthanasia debate from the 1890s through today. Specific examples of legislation, litigation, and case studies are cited, including both those that were highly publicized—such as Dr. Jack Kevorkian and Terri Schiavo—as well as those not broadly covered by the media. Although there is detailed historical coverage, this work is also contemporary, attempting to provide as up-to-date coverage as possible by including case studies from 2000 on. With a clear table of contents, subheadings within each chapter, and an accurate index featuring cross-referencing, this book is easy to navigate. The glossary at the end of the book is of paramount value to readers, clearly making the distinction between related terms, such as voluntary euthanasia, involuntary euthanasia, assisted suicide, and passive euthanasia. Additionally, the bibliography provides readers with a wealth of information regarding specific legislation, court cases, and coverage in medical journals throughout history. Part of Greenwood’s Historical Guides to Controversial Issues in America series, this offers complete coverage of every aspect of the euthanasia debate and would be a great addition to public, high-school, and undergraduate libraries. This book removes the typical pro-con approach taken with controversial topics and simply provides information—leaving readers to arrive at their own conclusions, making it an invaluable resource for students. --Janet Pinkley

Edition details

• Publisher: Greenwood
• Publication date: 2012
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0313341877
• ISBN 13: 9780313341878
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 208