Today there is growing acceptance of the idea of physician-assisted
suicide. Even Christians are beginning to factor the possibility
into their ethical understandings. Would it not be compassionate to
acquiesce in a terminally ill patient's request to end it all? This
sentiment seems reasonable, even humane. But as Harvard ethicist
Arthur J. Dyck shows in this powerful work, there are solid moral
and practical bases for the existing laws against assisted suicide
in the United States and elsewhere.
Over the course of four interconnected, tightly reasoned
arguments, Dyck takes readers from a basic concern for human
suffering -- the main focus of those who support assisted suicide
-- to the deeper truths of life's inherent worth. Dyck begins by
examining the arguments of some physicians, moral philosophers, and
theologians for making assisted suicide available. He also
discusses the alternative practice of comfort-only care, explaining
why it differs morally from assisted suicide and euthanasia. Dyck
then explores and defends the moral structure underlying the West's
long tradition of homicide law as well as current law against
assisted suicide and euthanasia -- laws designed to protect both
freedom and human life. Finally, Dyck shows that the moral
structure undergirding our system of law is compatible with the
views of Christianity, and he points to certain Christian beliefs
that provide comfort and hope to those who are suffering, dying, or
experiencing the death of loved ones.
Throughout the book, Dyck staunchly maintains that assisted
suicide is unacceptable in any and all circumstances. The practice
denies terminally ill patients the possibility of recovery and robs
them ofthe chance to rethink the meaning of their lives or to
achieve spiritual growth. Furthermore, because it undermines the
shared moral structure that makes community possible, assisted
suicide bodes ill for society as a whole. "Life's Worth" is a
must-read for anyone grappling with this hotly debated issue.
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