Euthanasia is Not the Answer

A Hospice Physician’s View

Nonfiction, Health & Well Being, Medical, Reference, Ethics, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Sociology
Cover of the book Euthanasia is Not the Answer by David Cundiff, Humana Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: David Cundiff ISBN: 9781461204152
Publisher: Humana Press Publication: December 6, 2012
Imprint: Humana Language: English
Author: David Cundiff
ISBN: 9781461204152
Publisher: Humana Press
Publication: December 6, 2012
Imprint: Humana
Language: English

Instances of euthanasia or mercy killing date back to antiquity. However, it is only recently that the unprecedented grassroots efforts to legalize euthana­ sia have begun building. "Terminal Illness, Assistance with Dying," a California ballot initiative for the No­ vember 1992 election, might for the first time in modem history legalize euthanasia and assisted suicide by physicians. Similar initiatives are planned in other states. To vote intelligently, citizens in California and throughout the United States need to learn who is likely to request euthanasia or assisted suicide, and why. How we care for the terminally ill eventually af­ fects us all. In over half of all deaths, a chronic dis­ ease process such as cancer or congestive heart failure leads to a terminal phase that may last for days, weeks, or months. Most people are more afraid of the suffering associated with this terminal phase than they are afraid of dying itself. When polled, most Americans tell us they would prefer to die at home, surrounded by loved ones, rather than in a hospital receiving high-tech tests and treatments until the last. Yet the majority of people, even those with term­ inal illnesses, die in the hospital. What factors in our culture and health care system have led to this dichotomy? Unrelieved suffering is also the primary reason for euthanasia requests.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Instances of euthanasia or mercy killing date back to antiquity. However, it is only recently that the unprecedented grassroots efforts to legalize euthana­ sia have begun building. "Terminal Illness, Assistance with Dying," a California ballot initiative for the No­ vember 1992 election, might for the first time in modem history legalize euthanasia and assisted suicide by physicians. Similar initiatives are planned in other states. To vote intelligently, citizens in California and throughout the United States need to learn who is likely to request euthanasia or assisted suicide, and why. How we care for the terminally ill eventually af­ fects us all. In over half of all deaths, a chronic dis­ ease process such as cancer or congestive heart failure leads to a terminal phase that may last for days, weeks, or months. Most people are more afraid of the suffering associated with this terminal phase than they are afraid of dying itself. When polled, most Americans tell us they would prefer to die at home, surrounded by loved ones, rather than in a hospital receiving high-tech tests and treatments until the last. Yet the majority of people, even those with term­ inal illnesses, die in the hospital. What factors in our culture and health care system have led to this dichotomy? Unrelieved suffering is also the primary reason for euthanasia requests.

More books from Humana Press

Cover of the book T-Cell Lymphomas by David Cundiff
Cover of the book Long-Term Care Medicine by David Cundiff
Cover of the book The Handbook of Neuroprotection by David Cundiff
Cover of the book Growth Hormone Related Diseases and Therapy by David Cundiff
Cover of the book Adrenal Imaging by David Cundiff
Cover of the book Complementary and Alternative Cardiovascular Medicine by David Cundiff
Cover of the book Autoimmune Reactions by David Cundiff
Cover of the book Aging and Lung Disease by David Cundiff
Cover of the book Cardiac Transplantation by David Cundiff
Cover of the book Management of Antimicrobials in Infectious Diseases by David Cundiff
Cover of the book Nutritional Health by David Cundiff
Cover of the book Aging, Immunity, and Infection by David Cundiff
Cover of the book Electronic Medical Records by David Cundiff
Cover of the book Regenerative Medicine and Cell Therapy by David Cundiff
Cover of the book The Pain Management Handbook by David Cundiff
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy