End-of-Life Decisions in Medical Care
Principles and Policies for Regulating the Dying Process

Stephen W. Smith explores the legal and ethical issues involved in end-of-life decision making.

Stephen W. Smith (Author)

9781107005389, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 23 February 2012

368 pages, 4 tables
22.9 x 15.2 x 2.1 cm, 0.66 kg

Those involved in end-of-life decision making must take into account both legal and ethical issues. This book starts with a critical reflection of ethical principles including ideas such as moral status, the value of life, acts and omissions, harm, autonomy, dignity and paternalism. It then explores the practical difficulties of regulating end-of-life decisions, focusing on patients, healthcare professionals, the wider community and issues surrounding 'slippery slope' arguments. By evaluating the available empirical evidence, the author identifies preferred ways to regulate decisions and minimise abuses at the end of life, and outlines an ethical theory which can provide practical guidance for those engaged in end-of-life decisions.

1. Introduction
2. Moral status
3. The value of life
4. Killing versus letting die and moral responsibility
5. Autonomy and paternalism
6. Beneficence, non-maleficence and harm
7. Dignity
8. A comprehensive ethical approach
9. Introduction to Part Two
10. Protection of patients
11. The impact on health care practitioners
12. Greater societal issues
13. Slippery slope arguments
14. Necessary procedural protections
15. Conclusions.

Subject Areas: Medical ethics & professional conduct [MBDC], Medical & healthcare law [LNTM], Law [L]