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Against Physician Assisted Suicide

Death with or without dignity?

AGAINST PHYSICIAN ASSISTED SUICIDE
A Palliative Care Perspective
By David Jeffrey
Radcliffe Publishing
120 pages. £14.99
ISBN 978-1-84619-186-2

The publication of this book is very timely with the whole issue of Physician Assisted Suicide (PAS) being currently discussed in parliament and with pressure being placed on law makers for this to become a legal part of a doctor’s role.

The book is written by a doctor, who for many years has practised within the disciplines of palliative care and general practice. As the title of the book makes clear, the author is opposed to PAS. While he does not declare himself to be a Christian, his purpose is to provide a thorough critical overview of the subject and the book is a good introduction to the legal issues involved. It explains the terminology and definitions used within the legal debate.

The book requires concentration for the newcomer to the subject, but is highly informative. The author’s use of illustrations and case studies poignantly make the point regarding the substantial ethical concerns surrounding PAS. The author’s background in palliative care is used to describe the alternative medical solution to PAS, which not surprisingly is by providing first class medical and nursing palliative care throughout the patient’s life.

The book is not intended to be a Christian response to PAS but would be very useful for Christians working in palliative care or who are facing this ethical issue in other ways in their workplace. It will be useful, too, for pastors and other Christian workers who would value a medical perspective to help them examine and understand the issues.

Rachel Lawrence,
registered health visitor;
pastor’s wife, West Street Baptist Church & Christian Centre, Dunstable