1.

Record Nr.

UNINA9910811588203321

Titolo

Voluntary euthanasia debate / / edited by Justin Healey

Pubbl/distr/stampa

Thirroul, N.S.W. : , : Spinney Press, , [2013]

©2013

ISBN

1922084174

9781922084170

Descrizione fisica

1 online resource (60 pages) : colour illustrations

Collana

Issues in society (Balmain, N.S.W.) ; ; volume 359

Disciplina

174/.24

179.70994

Soggetti

Euthanasia - Moral and ethical aspects - Australia

Euthanasia - Law and legislation - Australia

Euthanasia - Public opinion - Australia

Palliative treatment - Australia

Lingua di pubblicazione

Inglese

Formato

Materiale a stampa

Livello bibliografico

Monografia

Nota di bibliografia

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Nota di contenuto

Chapter 1: Euthanasia, the law and end-of-life issues -- Chapter 2: Opinions opposed to euthanasia -- Chapter 3: Opinions in favour of euthanasia -- Exploring issues

Sommario/riassunto

Euthanasia has been illegal in Australia since the federal government overturned short-lived Northern Territory laws in 1996. Despite it being a crime to assist in euthanasia, prosecutions have been rare. Four decades’ worth of opinion polls have shown that a majority of Australians appear to support the legal option of aid-in-dying for those suffering intolerably and without relief near the end of life. Although a significant number of countries and US states have legalised euthanasia and assisted suicide in recent years, Australian federal and state governments have continued to debate the political, legal and ethical implications of legalised voluntary euthanasia. What are the many ethical, religious and practical arguments asserted by those who champion the ‘right to life’ as opposed to those who assert the ‘right to choose’ when and how to die? Can palliative care always provide adequate pain relief? If legalised, could voluntary euthanasia be the ‘slippery slope’ that leads to involuntary or non-voluntary euthanasia?



Is voluntary euthanasia dignity in dying, assisted suicide, or homicide? This book presents a range of considered opinions from Australia’s medical profession and opposing pro-life and pro-euthanasia lobby groups.