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.
