Assisted Suicide: The Liberal, Humanist Case Against Legalization (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9781137286291)

Kevin Yuill goes straight to the heart of a difficult issue. Critical of both sides of the discussion, this book presents an up-to-date analysis of the direction discussion is taking, showing that atheists, libertarians, those favouring abortion rights and stem-cell research should stand beside their religious compatriots in opposing legalization of assisted suicide. The author shows that the real issue behind the debate is not euthanasia but suicide. Rather than focusing on tragic cases, he indicates the real damage that will be done if we affirm the suicidal wishes of even a small segment of the population. Analyzing the movement for the right to die in historical terms, Yuill shows that, though many proponents of a change in the law believe they are rationalist heirs of such thinkers as John Stuart Mill, legalizing assisted suicide will reduce privacy and freedom. Finally, Yuill suggests a radical alternative to legalization of assisted suicide that would embrace both the cause of freedom and the anxieties of many about securing good deaths.

Author: K. Yuill
ISBN-10: 1137286296
ISBN-13: 9781137286291
Publisher: Palgrave MacMillan
Language: English
Published: 03/05/2013
Pages: 188
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 0.95lbs
Size: 8.60h x 5.50w x 0.70d

Review Citation(s):
Choice 12/01/2013