The Right to Die (Hot Topics)

Taylor, Robert

ISBN 10: 1590188349 ISBN 13: 9781590188347

Publisher: Lucent Books, 2009

Synopsis

Each title in this series presents a thorough and carefully balanced presentation of the many issues surrounding each topic, objectively exploring important political, social, cultural, economic, moral, historical, and environmental issues, and enabling students to gain a clear understanding of what affects them, their peers, and their community.

About this title

Reviews

Grade 9 Up—This inclusive, clearly written overview traces the desire for a dignified death from ancient times to its evolution into the hospice movement. Chapters include "Death and the Dying Process," "Euthanasia," "Assisted Suicide," "Refusing Medical Treatment," and "The Withdrawal of Life-Sustaining Treatment." The definition of brain death, organ transplants, mercy killing, the Nazi abuse of euthanasia, treatment of the mentally disabled, and even cryonics are addressed. Central figures, such as Jack Kevorkian and Dame Cicely Saunders (founder of hospice), are profiled. Information is provided about religious viewpoints, Supreme Court decisions, and societal polls. Several of the cases that have garnered public attention are discussed as well—Karen Ann Quinlan, Nancy Cruzan, and Terri Schiavo-all leading to the conclusion that society needs legislative guidelines to handle what remains an extremely thorny issue. Students needing basic report information and statistics will find them here.—Joanne K. Cecere, Monroe-Woodbury High School, Central Valley, NY
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Edition details

• Publisher: Lucent Books
• Publication date: 2009
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1590188349
• ISBN 13: 9781590188347
• Binding: Library Binding
• Number of pages: 1