The Euthanasia Debates

Abstract

If one is to judge by the sheer volume of literature on the subject, euthanasia is perhaps the biggest topic in medical ethics. Indeed, it is too big for a single chapter, and so I have already discussed some of the relevant issues in previous chapters. However, I have divided the topic up not only for such arbitrary logistical reasons, but also in accordance with the methodological principle of this book. I believe that there is a lot of groundwork that needs to be covered before one can even begin to talk about euthanasia seriously. Just as one needs to understand something of the place of normal human birth in human lives before talking about abortion, so too does one need to understand something of the place of normal human death in human lives, before one can discuss suicide and euthanasia. Even with such ground-laying, the topic remains vast, and I have to satisfy myself with no more than a few gestures in this final chapter, picking up some earlier themes.