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* Includes biographies of doctors, lawyers, politicians, and patients and excerpts from key legal documents and hearings

* Provides a directory of organizations that advocate, oppose, or discuss euthanasia and a listing of selected print and nonprint resources

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School Library Journal Review

Gr 10 Up‘Beginning with the early philosophers' views on the right to die, this well-organized volume traces the history of and medical developments in euthanasia. Although some of the reading is slow going (laws and documents), the text is well written and objective. Case studies are presented in a straightforward manner and include extensive documentation and attributable quotes. The chapters dealing with euthanasia in other countries and biographical information on key figures are especially helpful. Other sections focus on periodicals, non-print material, organizations, and the Internet. The tables, graphs, and maps clearly present statistics that can often be confusing.‘Christine A. Moesch, Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, NY (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

CHOICE Review

Although there are many collections of essays and legal materials concerning euthanasia, this is the first handbook on the topic. It covers all aspects of the debate, including withholding/withdrawing treatment, assisted suicide, physician-assisted suicide, and mercy killing. The authors support euthanasia but the treatment is balanced. The 50-page "Overview" summarizes historical, cultural, bioethical, and legal issues largely in the US context, with brief coverage of international laws and practices. A chronology documents the controversy and its major events, emphasizing the contemporary period since Karen Ann Quinlan fell into a coma in 1975. Half-page biographies of 26 key figures include patients (Quinlan, Cruzan, Baby Jane Doe), scholars (Callahan, Fletcher, Kubler-Ross, McCormick), and practitioners (Humphrey, Kevorkian, Quill). Among sections that make this handbook inclusive is "Facts and Data," which covers statistical information on cancer deaths, transplants, AIDS incidence, suicides, health care expenditures, public opinion polls, state statutes, and major legal decisions. One chart compiles information on all the people who have committed suicide with Kevorkian's assistance. A "Documents" section provides relevant codes of medical ethics, religious pronouncements, a selection of federal and state laws, and excerpts of legal opinions. The limited "Quotations" section provides points of view from major figures on both sides. Rounding out this source are a directory of organizations and selected print and nonprint resources, including a few Internet sites. The resources sections, highly selective and intended for general readers, cite only a few sources, but annotations are informative. Those seeking a scholarly overview of the topic and research guidance may prefer the lengthy section in Encyclopedia of Bioethics (CH, Oct'95), "Death and Dying: Euthanasia and Sustaining Life." The present handbook provides a ready source of primary information on this wide-ranging and multidisciplinary topic. Useful for public, academic, and medical libraries. J. A. Adams; SUNY at Buffalo

Notas de autor provistas por Syndetics

Carolyn S. Roberts is a professional writer and researcher.

Martha Gorman is a professional writer and the author of several books for ABC-CLIO.