Euthanasia and Palliative Care in the Low Countries |
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| Editor:
| Schotsmans, Paul
Meulenbergs, Tom
Schotsmans, P. |
| Series title: | Ethical Perspectives Monograph Ser. |
| ISBN: | 978-90-429-1556-5 |
| Publication Date: | Mar 2005 |
| Publisher: | Peeters Publishers & Booksellers
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| Book Format: | Paperback |
| List Price: | AUD $66.95 |
Book Description:
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Belgium and the Netherlands - the Low Countries - are the first countries in the world to have legalized euthanasia. Physicians who terminate life at the patient's request no longer have to fear criminal prosecution. However, end-of-life legislation in the Low Countries has provoked diverse responses and sparked vigorous and divisive ethical debate. For some, the new legislation has become a shining example; for others it is a lamentable materialization of a culture of death....
More DescriptionBelgium and the Netherlands - the Low Countries - are the first countries in the world to have legalized euthanasia. Physicians who terminate life at the patient's request no longer have to fear criminal prosecution. However, end-of-life legislation in the Low Countries has provoked diverse responses and sparked vigorous and divisive ethical debate. For some, the new legislation has become a shining example; for others it is a lamentable materialization of a culture of death. Euthanasia and Palliative Care in the Low Countries provides an overview and comparison of the legal specifics of the Belgian and Dutch Euthanasia Acts, a discussion of palliative care initiatives and an ethical examination of the new legislation. In addition, the book provides an in-depth analysis of the arguments used in the end-of-life debate and a critical examination of the positions taken by the churches. The book concludes with an overview of how Christian health-care institutions accommodate to this new legal situation.