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Book Cover
Book
Author Dowbiggin, Ian Robert, 1952-

Title A concise history of euthanasia : life, death, God, and medicine / Ian Dowbiggin
Published Lanham, MD : Rowman & Littlefield, [2005]
©2005

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Location Call no. Vol. Availability
 MELB  179.7 Dow/Cho  AVAILABLE
Description vii, 163 pages ; 24 cm
Series Critical issues in history
Critical issues in history.
Contents Introduction : a question of values -- 1. Obedient unto death -- 2. This troublesome shore -- 3. Method of escape -- 4. A higher morality? -- 5. In God we trust -- 6. Collision course -- 7. Cradle and grave
Summary "In this first book to explore euthanasia worldwide since classical antiquity, Ian Dowbiggin exposes the many disturbing themes that link present and past in the concept of the right to die. His deeply informed history traces the controversial record of "mercy killing," a source of heated debate among doctors and laypeople alike. Dowbiggin examines evolving opinions about what constitutes a good death, taking into account the societal and religious values placed on sin, suffering, resignation, judgment, penance, and redemption. He also examines the bitter struggle between those who advocate for the right to compassionate and effective end-of-life care and those who justify euthanasia by defining human life in terms of biological criteria, utilitarian standards, a faith in science, humane medical treatment, the principle of personal autonomy, or individual human rights
The author considers both the influence of technological and behavioral changes in the practice of medicine and the public's surprising lack of awareness of death's many clinical and biological dimensions." "Dowbiggin reminds us that the stakes in the struggle are enormously high, with the lives of countless vulnerable people hanging in the balance. His provocative historical perspective is indispensable for patients, families, governments, and the medical community debating when it is time to let go of life. Bound to spark controversy, this book takes issue with the right to die movement over the question of legalizing either assisted suicide or lethal injection and raises profound personal and collective questions on the future of euthanasia."--BOOK JACKET
Notes Formerly CIP. Uk
Bibliography Includes bibliographical references and index
Subject Euthanasia.
Euthanasia -- history.
Euthanasia -- ethics.
Religion and Medicine.
Right to Die.
LC no. 2005001704
ISBN 0742531104 (cloth : alk. paper)