Chapter 1: Voluntary Euthanasia and the Law: Legal euthanasia in force; Belgium legalises voluntary euthanasia; Euthanasia: the law in Australia; Euthanasia: a new flashpoint; Life: the lethal arguments; Crick leaves behind legal legacy; Right or wrong way to die; Doctors' euthanasia stand eases; White gowns, no black hoods; Doctors split over how to treat dying. -- Chapter 2: The Voluntary Euthanasia Debate: Arguments for and against euthanasia; Dignity of life debased by euthanasia; Nancy's death cannot be in vain; Euthanasia still without answers; Euthanasia and the duty of care; What is euthanasia?; The right to choose; I wanted to die but now carers make my life bearable; When relief is not enough; Vulnerable patients fear being pressured into an early death; The fear of abuse objection; Give us the right to die in peace; The ugly truth: killing is not care; Brief answers to five objections; Euthanasia: what does it really mean?; The moral case for voluntary euthanasia; Euthanasia: killing the dying. It's OK - isn't it?; The slippery slope objection
Summary
The debate over legalised voluntary euthanasia in Australia continues to provoke the conscience of a nation. What are the many ethical arguments which arise from those who champion the 'right to life' and those who assert the 'right to choose' when and how to die? This book examines in great detail features of Australia's euthanasia debate, including laws involving euthanasia in Australia and overseas; government, medical profession and community attitudes; and the role of palliative care in looking after terminally ill people
