Euthanasia, Death with Dignity and the Law

Many advocates of euthanasia consider the criminal law to be an inappropriate medium to adjudicate the profound ethical and humanitarian dilemmas associated with end of life decisions. 'Euthanasia,Death with Dignity and the Law' examines the legal response to euthanasia and end of life decisions and considers whether legal reform is an appropriate response to calls for euthanasia to be more readily available as a mechanism for providing death with dignity.

Through an analysis of consent to treatment, living wills and autonomous medical decision making, euthanasia is carefully located within its legal, medical, and social contexts. This book focuses on the impact of euthanasia on the dignity of both the recipient and the practitioner while emphasising the legal, professional, and ethical implications of euthanasia and its significance for the exercise of clinical discretion. It will provide a valuable addition to the euthanasia debate.

“…a timely contribution
the non-law reader will find the author's overview accessible
succeeds in presenting complex issues in an approachable way and will undoubtedly stimulate further exploration of this troublesome area.” —Cambridge Law Journal

“The author certainly succeeds to encapsulate and address the most important philosophical, ethical and legal issues pertaining to the modern, but contentious euthanasia debate.
The book comes highly recommended and provides a valuable addition to the euthanasia debate.” —Stellenbosch Law Review