This deeply informed history traces the controversial record of
"mercy-killing," a source of heated debate among doctors and laypeople
alike. Dowbiggin examines evolving opinions about what constitutes a
good death, taking into account the societal and religious values placed
on sin, suffering, resignation, judgment, penance, and redemption. He
also examines the bitter struggle between those who stress a right to
compassionate and effective end-of-life care and those who define human
life in terms of either biological criteria, utilitarian standards, a
faith in science, humane medical treatment, the principle of personal
autonomy, or individual human rights. Considering both the influence of
technological and behavioral changes in the practice of medicine and the
public's surprising lack of awareness of death's many clinical and
biological dimensions, this book raises profound personal and collective
questions on the future of euthanasia.