This book assesses the desirability of legalising euthanasia. From the ethical perspective
euthanasia raises many important issues including the right to life the right to liberty the
avoidance of unnecessary pain the appropriate allocation of medical resources and the rights
and duties of doctors. Other relevant considerations include the improving standard of
palliative care and the slippery slope argument. The central arguments for and against
euthanasia are evaluated against the background of the leading contemporary moral theories.
This book seeks to cut through the rhetoric that has become a feature of the debate and asks
whether there is a sound reason for denying the wishes of individuals who express their wish to
die.
