Customer Reviews

Euthanasia, Ethics and Public Policy: An Argument Against Legalisation

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As indicated by the subtitle, this book is unashamedly against the legalization of euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide, but it is written in a moderate and reasoned tone and in a manner easily understood whether you are a health care professional, lawyer, politician or just an interested member of the public.

Keown first explores the inexactitudes and ambiguities that abound in the euthanasia debate, and then dissects the arguments for and against. The second pat of the book is an in-depth assessment of the practices in The Netherlands, the Northern Territory of Australia, and the U.S. State of Oregon, and includes a clear illumination of the inadequacy of the much-vaunted legal safeguards against abuse. It is to be hoped that Cambridge University Press will invite Keown to prepare an up-dated edition as more information and data becomes available from The Netherlands and Oregon. The third part of the book critically reviews the findings of various expert committees, associations and the courts.

By no means everyone will agree with the conclusions and opinions expressed in this book, but it should be required reading for anyone who intends to make a public statement in the euthanasia debate.

Roger Woodruff
Director of Palliative Care, Austin Health, Melbourne, Australia
Past Chairman, International Association for Hospice and Palliative Care

At last there is a book that covers this contentious and complex topic in an easy-to-understand manner without over-simplification or devaluing the importance of the subject. Dr Keown has succeeded in writing a book that engages the reader with the issues involved, whilst ensuring that the non-expert is not left adrift. I would strongly recommend this book to everyone.

I still haven't received this book yet. I've been waiting for about 4 weeks and I haven't been able to find a place in the Amazon website to complain about it so I'm doing it here.

Thanks Amazon. Great work.

At last an easy-to-understand summary of the facts and opinions surrounding this contentious issue. Dr Keown presents the information in a manner accessible to non-experts without devaluing the accademic worth of the subject. I strongly recommend you buy this outstanding book.

At last there has been a book published which is not just well written, but also informative, interesting, topical and relevant. I would advise anybody with an interest in the subject to buy the book. You do not need to be an expert; all the information is presented in an easy-to-understand manner, without devaluing the accademic value of the book.